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A man walks past a Tokyo 2020 advertising poster at Shinjuku subway station in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo.
SOPA Pictures | LightRocket | Getty Images
The head of the organizing committee for the Tokyo Olympics on Tuesday did not rule out a last-minute cancellation of the centerpiece of world sport, amid rising coronavirus cases that have presented organizers with growing challenges.
Asked at a press conference whether the Games, which are due to open on Friday, could still be canceled, Toshiro Muto said he would keep an eye on the number of infections and hold talks with organizers if necessary.
“We cannot predict what will happen with the number of coronavirus cases. So we will continue discussions if there is a spike in cases,” Muto said.
“We have agreed that depending on the coronavirus situation, we will convene five-party talks again. At this point, coronavirus cases may increase or decrease, so we will think about what to do when the situation arises. . “
The cases of Covid-19 are multiplying in Tokyo and the Games, postponed last year because of the pandemic, will take place without spectators. Japan decided this month that participants will compete in empty venues to minimize the risk of new infections.
The opening ceremony will also take place without major Olympic sponsors, the companies said on Tuesday, dealing a further blow to a lean Games as more athletes test positive for the coronavirus.
Muto, a former senior financial official with close ties to the ruling party in Japan, is known for his wise choice of words, as organizers face national audiences angry at the coronavirus restrictions and concerned about a possible peak in cases triggered by Games participants arriving from abroad.
Disclosure: CNBC’s parent company, NBCUniversal, owns NBC Sports and NBC Olympics. NBC Olympics is the US licensee to broadcast all Summer and Winter Games until 2032.
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