TOKYO – It’s finally official, after countless news and rumors without sources: overseas spectators will not be able to postpone the Tokyo Olympics when they open in four months.
The decision was announced Saturday after an online meeting of the International Olympic Committee, the Japanese government, the Tokyo government, the International Paralympic Committee and local organizers.
Officials said the risk was too great to admit overseas ticket holders during a pandemic. The Japanese public has also opposed foreign fans. Several polls have shown that up to 80% oppose the holding of the Olympics and a similar percentage oppose foreign fans.
Japan has attributed nearly 8,800 deaths to COVID-19 and has controlled the virus better than most countries.
“In order to give clarity to ticket holders living abroad and allow them to adjust their travel plans at this stage, the Japanese side have come to the conclusion that they will not be able to enter Japan at the time of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, “the Tokyo organizing committee said in a statement.
Organizers said 600,000 tickets were sold to fans outside of Japan. They have promised refunds, but it will be determined by the so-called authorized ticket distributors who manage sales outside of Japan. These dealers charge commissions up to 20% above the ticket price. It is unclear whether the fees will be refunded.
Toshiro Muto, the CEO of the organizing committee, said the organizers were not responsible for the money lost on flights or hotel reservations. He said they did not imply any “contractual agreement with Tokyo.”
Organizing committee chairwoman Seiko Hashimoto, who appeared in seven Olympics as an athlete (she won bronze in speed skating in 1992), said there was pressure to wait longer to make a decision. But he said fans could now plan. He also regretted the move.
“So the fact that spectators can’t attend the Games from abroad is very disappointing and unfortunate,” he said. “It was an inevitable decision.”
IOC President Thomas Bach called it a “difficult decision.”
“We have to make decisions that may require sacrifices from everyone,” he said.
Muto seemed to rule out the entry of fans who could receive tickets from deep-pocket sponsors.
“If they are part of the Games operation, if they are involved a little bit in the operation, there is still the possibility that they may enter Japan,” Muto said. “But just as spectators to watch games, no, they won’t be allowed to make any entries.”
The financial burden of selling lost tickets falls on Japan. The local organizing committee’s budget called for $ 800 million in revenue from ticket sales, the third largest source of revenue from the privately funded budget. Any budget deficit will have to be offset by Japanese government entities.
“Ticket revenue will be reduced,” Muto said. “That’s very clear right now.”
Muto also hinted at more cuts for people on the periphery of the Olympics. He also said overseas volunteers “would be treated the same way,” but said details will be posted later.
“But as for other people related to the Games or if we have to keep the same number, maybe we should reduce the number. That’s the consensus. That’s the premise,” he said.
Overall, Japan officially spends $ 15.4 billion to host the Olympics. Several government audits say the actual cost can be double. All but $ 6.7 billion is public money and, according to a study from Oxford University, it is the most expensive Olympics on record.
About 4.45 million tickets were sold to residents of Japan. Organizers are expected to announce local capacity next month, which will now only be occupied by local residents.
The ban on foreign fans comes just days before the Olympic torch relay begins on Thursday from Fukushima prefecture in northeastern Japan. It will last 121 days, touring Japan with 10,000 runners, and will end on July 23 at the opening ceremony at Tokyo National Stadium.
The relay will be a test for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, in which 15,400 athletes will enter Japan. They will be tested before leaving home, tested on arrival in Japan, and tested frequently while residing in a safe “bubble” in the athletes’ village next to Tokyo Bay, or in places or facilities. training.
Athletes will not have to be vaccinated to enter Japan, but they will.
In the middle of Saturday’s meeting, Bach and others received a reminder about an earthquake-stricken northeast of Japan, and Japan in general.
A strong earthquake shook Tokyo and sparked a tsunami warning when Bach and others made introductory comments before the virtual meeting. The U.S. Geological Survey put the force at 7.0 and the location was in northeastern Japan, an area affected by a huge earthquake and tsunami in 2011. About 18,000 people died in this tragedy ago 10 years.
“I think the screen is shaking. You’ve noticed that the screen is shaking,” Japanese Olympic Minister Tamayo Marukawa said as he made his presentation visible from Tokyo talking remotely to Bach on a Swiss screen. “We’re actually in the middle of an earthquake right now.”
Officials said there were no immediate reports of damage.