Coronavirus: Tokyo 2020 president denies Olympics could be delayed for two years

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Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

The Tokyo 2020 organising committee has poured cold water on suggestions that the Olympic Games need to be postponed for up to two years to deal with the coronavirus outbreak, after an executive member suggested such drastic action was close to becoming a reality.

Tokyo 2020 executive member Haruyuki Takahashi claimed that this summer’s Olympic Games, which is due to get underway on 24 July in Tokyo, may have to be delayed, with a meeting due to be held next month where such a suggestion will need to be raised.

The claims go against what Tokyo 2020 have insisted so far during the outbreak, which has had a sizeable impact on Japan after the virus spread rapidly from its origin in the Chinese city of Wuhan, while the International Olympic Committee has also insisted that it is “full speed ahead” with plans to stage the Games as scheduled.

Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, Takahashi said: "I don't think the games could be cancelled, it'd be a delay. The International Olympic Committee would be in trouble if there's a cancellation. American TV rights alone provide them with a huge amount."

When asked to clarify his comments, Takahashi told Kyodo News: “In light of the reality, we have to respond accordingly.

"We need to deal with (the crisis) based on reality. Time is running out.”

The comments provoked a rapid response from the Tokyo 2020 organising committee, who have insisted there have not been any discussions about postponing or cancelling the Games.

"We are not aware of the details or content of the remarks," a statement read. "We are not considering postponing the games. Preparations for the tournament will proceed as planned."

As well as the statement, organising committee Yoshiro Mori told Japanese newspaper Asahi that Takahashi has spoken to him to apologise for his comments and to confirm that he had misspoken when discussing the plans for the next Olympics.