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Organisers of the Tokyo Olympics have refused to rule out cancelling the event just three days before it is due to start amid concern over rising Covid cases. 

Toshiro Muto, head of the organising committee, was asked directly at a press conference on Tuesday whether the showpiece event - which has cost Japan some £12billion - could still be called off, and refused to rule it out.

It comes as the number of Covid cases linked to the Games rose to 71 with infections in Athletes' Village, and three more sponsors announced they will not be sending representatives to the Opening Ceremony due to anger in Japan.