German athletes alliance demands Tokyo Olympic clarity

The German athletes alliance, Athleten Deutschland (AD), has urged the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and sports federations to make some explanations on the Tokyo Games.

AD wants IOC to “explain quickly and convincingly” how qualification events and the Tokyo Games in summer can take place safely amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In an eight-page position paper published Monday, AD asked for greater transparency over what coronavirus measures might be put in place for the Games.

It also wants to know what has been done for athletes to have a greater say in the conditions imposed.

There also should be discussion in society over vaccinating Olympians and how much risk athletes would carry in agreeing to travel to Japan to compete.

“Overall it is improbable that infections can be completely avoided,” AD said.

“The IOC must therefore transparently communicate under which conditions the Games can take place and under which not.”

The Games were delayed from 2020 due to the pandemic and are now scheduled to begin July 23.

Organisers confirmed at the weekend that fans from outside of Japan would not be permitted to attend.