Tokyo Olympic organisers have unveiled tough new rules for spectators at the Summer Games, due to begin on July 23.
Seiko Hashimoto, president of the Tokyo 2020 Games, which were postponed from last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, said that up to 10,000 spectators will be allowed into competition venues, but warned them not to expect the kind of festive mood currently being enjoyed by football fans at Euro 2020.
Spectators will need to clear several antivirus requirements, including temperature checks and mask-wearing, just to get into venues. No refunds are available for those who fail to fulfil the requirements.
Once inside, they are forbidden from cheering or “making direct contact with other spectators” and will be asked to go straight home after the end of the event.
Asking athletes for autographs or “expressing verbal support” is also a no-no, as is waving a towel or “any form of cheering that could create a crowd”.
Uganda’s Boxing team is already in Osaka, Japan but under isolation after one of the members tested positive for COVID-19. Runners are set to travel early next month but they are already in camp training.