International

A line of questioning on a recent call between the International Olympic Committee, the World Health Organization and various sports’ federations chiefs has led some to wonder if holding this summer’s Tokyo Olympics behind closed doors is being considered as the coronavirus crisis worsens.

Sports Agenda understands that the WHO were asked if shutting big global sports events to fans would lower risk of the disease spreading. The answer was said to be non-committal.

In theory, hosting the Games behind closed doors but allowing camera crews in would satisfy the multi-million pound TV deals already signed and be viewed as an alternative to cancelling the event or shifting it elsewhere.

It emerged on Sunday that Japanese sumo wrestling is the latest competition to be affected by the outbreak, with national broadcaster NHK reporting that officials have decided to exclude fans from spring’s grand sumo tournament in Osaka.