The possibility of the Olympics taking place in Tokyo this July is officially zero.
Speaking to USA Today, Pound confirmed what many had expected.
“We will postpone this and begin to deal with all the ramifications of moving this, which are immense,” Pound said.
Details of the exact decision are expected to be made within the month.
“The parameters going forward have not been determined… but the games are not going to start on July 24, that much I know.”
As almost every professional sporting competition shuts down, the IOC had remained adamant the games would go ahead.
Earlier this month, IOC head Thomas Bach stated “we are preparing for a successful Olympic Games, Tokyo 2020”.
However, the Australian Olympic Committee ultimately forced the IOC’s hand yesterday when it announced it would not be assembling a team for the games, citing an “untenable” situation.
Canada’s Olympic group has also taken a similar stance.
Australian athletes have now been told to prepare for a “Tokyo Olympic Games in the northern summer of 2021”.
News of the delayed Olympics comes as local broadcaster Seven West Media withdrew its earning guidance over uncertainty attributed to COVID-19.
Making the announcement, SWM acknowledged any postponement could change the financial situation of the country.
“Such postponements are likely to result in rights payments by SWM being pushed back to reflect the revised scheduling; any adjustments remain subject to negotiation. However, postponements may also incur cancellation costs from underlying suppliers,” the company said.
