The FA’s director of women’s football backs 2020 Tokyo Olympics postponement

Following the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decision to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Olympics until the summer of 2021 as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic, the Football Association’s (FA) director of women’s football has stated it was the right decision.

The FA’s director of women’s football, Sue Campbell, said in a statement: “The health of everyone – players, staff and supporters – is our foremost concern and our international sporting calendar must respect and respond to that priority above all else. We are therefore fully supportive of the IOC’s decision to postpone the Olympic Games.

“With the Home Nations coming together as Team GB Women’s Football, we have been planning for – and very much looking forward to – the Olympics this summer. However for the time being our shared focus must be on staying safe, looking after our friends and loved ones, and following the advice of Government and our incredibly committed and brave frontline health professionals.”

Campbell continued: “Of course our minds are also focused on the UEFA Women’s EURO and we are in constant dialogue with UEFA in respect of that tournament. We know all our partner organisations have the health and wellbeing of athletes and support staff at the heart of their decision making and we await further information from UEFA in due course.

“Rest assured we can look forward to celebrating our sport in happier and safer times to come.”

Last Friday the Lionesses took to social media to talk with fans. England captain Steph Houghton urged supporters to follow the government guidelines that have been set out and to look after themselves and their loved ones.

“It’s a really difficult time at the moment and there is a lot of uncertainty about upcoming Lionesses tournaments but the most important thing is you look after yourself and your loved ones,” said Houghton. “It’s important to keep washing your hands and stick to all the guidelines and hopefully we’ll see you soon. Stay safe.”