In the headache-inducing whirlwind regarding Japan's New National Stadium for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Zaha Hadid Architects and Japanese engineering company Nikken Sekkei announced their ineligibility to participate in the design-and-build competition for the stadium's redesign. Why? Because they couldn't secure a construction company for their consortium, which they struggled with after ZHA's previous design was scrapped, mostly due to an inflated ¥252 billion price-tag. ZHA's latest announcement follows a snazzy 23-minute video and a 91-page report they put out last month, wherein they asserted their case for Japan to keep the previous stadium design. Earlier this month, the team intended to submit a new bid for the project.

From Zaha Hadid Architects' New National Stadium Report - August 2015.

But not too surprisingly, ZHA's announcement on their ineligibility is no swan song for their involvement in the project, and they continue to convey the same sense of determination. Despite their disappointment, they're probably incredibly eager to use their two years'-worth of knowledge to assist in the development of the new stadium.

Below is ZHA's press release regarding their ineligibility to compete:

'Nikken Sekkei LTD: Nikken Sekkei has proceeded with its preparations to team up with Zaha Hadid Architects for developing a proposal for the New National Stadium design & build competition.

This competition requires capabilities in planning and design, construction and construction supervision, and requires design firms to form a consortium of firms covering all these capabilities.

Nikken Sekkei and Zaha Hadid Architects have not been able to secure a construction company in its consortium and therefore announce that they are unable to enter the competition.

Zaha Hadid Architects: It is disappointing that the two years of work and investment in the existing design for a new National Stadium for Japan cannot be further developed to meet the new brief through the new design competition.

'Nikken Sekkei and ZHA are prepared and able to deliver a cost-effective Stadium that meets the revised brief, is ready in good time for the 2020 Games and provides a new home for sport in Japan for generations to come. While the current competition is closed to the existing design team we stand ready to use the wealth of detailed knowledge and expertise, built up through the thousands of hours dedicated to the project, to assist the National and Tokyo Governments and Japanese people deliver a Stadium fit to welcome the world in 2020 and go on to host national, international and community events for the next 50-100 years.'

In case you wanted a refresher, flip through the gallery below for more images of Zaha Hadid's previous stadium proposal.