Olympic organizers deny reports of last-minute cancellation
Political chaos in France - does it also affect the largest sporting event in the world? Rumors of a last-minute cancellation or postponement of the Olympic Games are circulating. The IOC strongly denies this.
The organizers of the Paris Olympics are pushing back against speculation about a last-minute cancellation of the Summer Games. Reports of alleged deliberations by the International Olympic Committee to scrap or postpone the Games were dismissed as false by the umbrella organization. "This is obviously part of the ongoing disinformation campaign against France, the IOC, its president, and the Olympic Games," the IOC stated.
These reports had no factual basis, it was further stated. IOC President Thomas Bach and the entire Olympic movement would welcome the start of the Summer Games on July 26 with great anticipation.
Previously, the magazine "Le Point" had suggested that Bach had set a deadline until mid-July to decide on a cancellation of the Olympics. The IOC president was reportedly concerned about the situation in France, as the far-right Rassemblement National had become the strongest force in the first round of parliamentary elections.
For French President Emmanuel Macron, who had taken a risk with the early dissolution of the National Assembly and advanced elections, this was a heavy defeat. France now faces political chaos. However, the composition of the National Assembly will only be decided in the decisive second round of voting on the coming Sunday.
The organizers of the Paris Olympics announced that they would investigate the origin of the false reports of a cancellation of the Games. Sport Minister Amélie Oudea-Castera wrote on X: "Our Games will take place as planned in Paris. We have been preparing them for years. They will bring joy to the whole world and pride to our country." The reports of a cancellation were baseless.
The Rassemblement National's strong showing in French elections has raised concerns within the IOC, but President Thomas Bach remains committed to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Despite rumors of a potential cancellation or postponement, the IOC vehemently denies any such plans, with Sport Minister Amélie Oudea-Castera asserting that the Games will proceed as planned in Paris.
