Ireland chief to consider ‘all options’ ahead of Tokyo Games

An International Olympic Committee announcement confirmed plans to spend the next four weeks looking at contingency scenarios following the Coronavirus outbreak.

Canada has already opted to withdraw from the global tournament scheduled to run over July and August and now Keane has highlighted the need to make decisions “for the best of Team Ireland and all involved”.

“We have heard the latest update from the IOC regarding the Games, and we await in due course further information from them,” said Keane. “However, we need to consider what’s right for our athletes, coaches, federations and all involved in supporting the system in Ireland at this time.

“This does include considering if our potential Olympians can and/or should continue to engage in organised training for the foreseeable future.

“This may go against the grain of what they are used to doing day in day out, however at this time all options must be considered which we will do in conjunction with our Member Federations, athletes, Sport Ireland and other stakeholders.

“We can and are providing input into the IOC as the ultimate decision making body for the 2020 Olympic Games.

“However, we can make decisions in Ireland for the best of Team Ireland and all involved.”

The OFI is contacting its Tokyo-bound member federations to gather views.