JAPANESE AUTHORITIES BAN INTERNATIONAL FANS FROM OLYMPICS

Reporter : NTIENYONG UDOH

Japanese authorities say no international fans will be permitted at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics this summer because of concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the authorities, it was “highly unlikely” that entry to the country could be guaranteed.

Organisers say the move now gives “clarity” to ticket holders and helps ensure safe and secure Games for all participants and the Japanese public.

The Olympics, which was postponed by a year in March 2020 because of the coronavirus outbreak will hold on 23 July.

The Paralympics follow the Olympics a month later, from 24 August.

It is the first time in the event’s history it has been postponed, with more than 11,000 athletes from about 200 countries scheduled to take part in 2020.