• Loading stock data...
Friday, March 29, 2024
2024 Best Venues nominations are open now through April 8! Submit Now

Tokyo Olympics Could Still Be Canceled

  • A powerful Japanese politician indicated that the Tokyo Olympics could still be canceled.
  • Daily coronavirus cases have tripled in Japan over the last six weeks.
IOC/Design: Alex Brooks

Nearly everything that could go wrong seemingly has so far for the Tokyo Olympics, and the threat that they might not even happen still lingers.

A powerful politician, Liberal Democratic Party Secretary General Toshihiro Nikai, floated the possibility that the games could still be canceled — three months before they are set to begin.

Asked if cancelation is still on the table, Nikai was unambiguous: “Of course. If the Olympics are going to be the factor causing COVID to spread extensively, then what are we holding the Games for?”

Canceling the games appears to have broad public support in Japan.

  • 40% of the population favors canceling the games, and another 33% thinks they should be postponed, according to a recent poll by Kyodo News. 
  • COVID-19 cases have risen to around 3,200 per day, up from around 1,000 per day in early March.
  • Only about 1.4% of the population has been vaccinated, according to official figures — one of the lowest rates in the developed world.

Postponing the games, originally scheduled for 2020, cost the International Olympic Committee an estimated $800 million, and the total cost of the games could be around $25 billion.

“I want the games to succeed, but to do so there are a lot of issues that need to be resolved,” Nikai said. “If it seems impossible, it needs to be stopped.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

More NBA Games Abroad? That’s A Challenge During the Regular Season

The NBA will again play games in Paris and Mexico City next season.

The NFLPA Report Card Is Doing Exactly What It Was Intended For

Robert Kraft hasn’t gone to school in nearly 60 years, but on Tuesday the Patriots’ owner found himself talking about his report card. 

How Lack of Planning by NCAA, Gonzaga Led to Racial Abuse of Utah Athletes

The NCAA gave Gonzaga a waiver to place teams in an extremist hotbed.

NCAA President Calls for Nationwide Ban on College Prop Bets

The NCAA president is reacting to the recent betting turmoil in sports.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Why the Timberwolves Sale was Called Off

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

March 22, 2024, Brooklyn, NY, USA; Northwestern Wildcats guard Brooks Barnhizer (13) and Northwestern Wildcats guard Boo Buie (0) react in overtime against the Florida Atlantic Owls in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at the Barclays Center.
March 27, 2024

‘An Expensive Game’: March Madness and NIL Collectives Are Intertwined

At schools nationwide, collectives are fueling NCAA tournament runs and vice versa.
Iowa’s Caitlin Clark (22) waits to be announced in the starting lineup against West Virginia in a NCAA Tournament round of 32 game Monday, March 25, 2024 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.
March 26, 2024

The Women’s Trading Card Market Is Overlooked. Can Caitlin Clark Change That?

Traditionally, women’s sports cards have been a marginal part of collectibles.
The Sports Illustrated cover signed by Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez, February 27, 2019, at Don & Charlie's, 7501 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale. Don Charlie S
March 24, 2024

Everything You Need to Know About the Ongoing ‘Sports Illustrated’ Saga

Understanding the strange state of affairs for the nearly 70-year-old publication.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Live Nation
Multiple - USA Careers
Adidas
Multiple - USA Careers
Spotify
Multiple - USA Careers

Ukraine’s Improbable Soccer Run Continues With Euros Qualification

The country reaches its first major soccer tournament since Russia’s invasion began.
March 4, 2024

FIA President Under Investigation for Alleged F1 Race Tinkering 

Mohammed Ben Sulayem is being scrutinized for his role in overturning a crucial penalty at F1’s 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. 
March 6, 2024

Super Bowl LVIII Scores Big With International Viewers

The NFL gets a 10% global boost compared to last year.
Sponsored

How Daily Fantasy Sports Solved NBA Fantasy

The remarkable growth of the #1 Discord sports server in the world.
February 29, 2024

Paris Games Gain Momentum With $2B Completion of Olympic Village

The $2.2 billion housing project finished on time and was essentially on budget.
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford passes during the first half against the Everton.
February 26, 2024

Everton Financial Punishment Trimmed After Appeal Is Partially Successful

Everton’s appeal of the EPL’s 10-point punishment was reduced to a six-point loss.
Lionel Messi
February 23, 2024

Copa América Tickets Climb in Latest Lionel Messi Effect

Tickets for Argentina’s game in Miami are pushing five figures.
German protests
February 21, 2024

German Football League Abandons Outside Investment After Protests

Bundesliga rethinks $1 billion media rights plan.