FIFA welcomes postponement

ZURICH: World football’s governing body FIFA on Tuesday welcomed the decision to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Olympics amid efforts to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

“FIFA firmly believes that the health and well-being of all individuals involved in sporting activities should always be the highest priority, and as such we welcome today’s IOC decision,” a FIFA statement said.

Citing the need to safeguard health, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) issued a joint statement earlier Tuesday with Japanese leader Shinzo Abe postponing the Games until next year.