Seiko Hashimoto, President of Tokyo 2020, said she was "sorry" for the ticket holders who could no longer attend the Games.
Japan's Olympics Minister Tamayo Marukawa confirms that fans will be banned from all Olympic venues in Japanese capital Tokyo in response to ta new coronavirus state of emergency set to last until 22 August 2021..
Organisers had planned to allow 10,000 fans or 50 per cent of a venue's capacity, but this was under the assumption that Tokyo would not even be under a quasi-state of emergency, and they have performed a U-turn following today's announcement that Tokyo will be under a state of emergency for the duration of the Games.
It comes amid a fresh spike in COVID-19 infections in Tokyo and on the day International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach arrived in the city.
This new policy was agreed on at a meeting attended by Bach and representatives from the IOC, the International Paralympic Committee, Tokyo 2020, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Japanese Government.
A joint statement between the five parties was released confirming this, while allowing room for other prefectures to allow spectators.
"No spectators will be allowed into any venues in Tokyo during the Olympic Games," read the statement.
"Under this policy, in areas where emergency measures are not in force, local Government authorities will meet and decide specific measures in consultation with the local governors based on the situation in each area."
Seiko Hashimoto, President of Tokyo 2020, said she was "sorry" for the ticket holders who could no longer attend the Games.
"It is extremely regrettable that the Games will be staged in a very limited manner in the face of the spread of novel coronavirus infections," said Hashimoto.