Tokyo 2020 confirmed their refund policy for the Olympics and Paralympics following the rescheduling of the Games to 2021.

Tickets for the postponed Games will be valid for 2021, but Tokyo 2020 will offer refunds to fans who are no longer able to attend.

Organisers confirmed the expected process, which will allow fans to apply for Olympic ticket refunds next month before ticketholders for the Paralympic Games are able to do likewise in December.

The window to request refunds on Olympic tickets will be between November 10 to 30.

The Paralympic window will take place from December 1 to 21.

This will only apply to ticketholders living in Japan.

Organisers said the process differs for ticketholders outside of Japan, who purchased tickets through Authorised Ticket Resellers (ATRs).

Each ATR will have their individual refund procedure.

Around 4.48 million tickets for the Olympics have already been sold, as well as 970,000 for the Paralympics, through the official ticketing website and various lotteries.

The rescheduled Olympic Games is due to take place from July 23 and August 8 next year, followed by the Paralympics from August 24 to September 5.

The competition schedule for 2021 mirrors the schedule planned for 2020 and events will take place at the same venues.

Ticket sales were forecast to provide ¥90 billion (£657 million/$857 million/€727 million) in revenue.

The sale of tickets for the Games are currently suspended.

Tokyo 2020 said an additional refund phase could be possible if there are further changes in circumstances due to the coronavirus pandemic.

This could be caused by lingering uncertainty over whether fans will be permitted to attend the Games because of the COVID-19 crisis.

Several Japanese sporting events have taken place in recent months with spectators permitted, albeit with limited numbers.

Both Tokyo 2020 and the International Olympic Committee have expressed hope spectators will be able to attend, and fans are included in planning for the rescheduled Games.

Attendance of spectators is one of the main topics being discussed by a three-party council, consisting of the Japanese Government, Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo 2020 and which is helping to devise coronavirus countermeasures for the Games.

The return of spectators has sparked hope that next year's Olympic and Paralympic Games will not be held behind closed doors.