Russian and Belarusian Players: With the players’ agreement to sign neutral statements, Wimbledon has lifted its ban on Russian and Belarusian players from participating in its competition this year.
Due to Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine the previous year, Wimbledon prohibited players from Russia and Belarus.
The Lawn Tennis Association was assessed a fine, and the championships from the previous year were devoid of world ranking points.
The judgement has already been overturned, and players from Russia and Belarus will be permitted to compete at Wimbledon this summer provided they do so as ‘neutral’ sportsmen and adhere to the necessary regulations.
According to the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), events at Queen’s, Eastbourne, Birmingham, and Nottingham would be cancelled if the ban persisted, creating a “serious prospect of the termination of our membership.”
The All England Club’s chairman, Ian Hewitt, declared: “We continue to completely condemn Russia’s illegal incursion and our full support remains with the people of Ukraine.
“This was a really difficult choice that wasn’t made quickly or without giving the people it would affect a lot of thought.
“In our opinion, these are the most suitable arrangements for The Championships this year, taking all relevant aspects into account.
“If circumstances materially change between now and the start of The Championships, we will examine and act accordingly,” the statement reads.
Lucy Frazer, the culture secretary, responded to the choice by saying: “We have been clear that Russian and Belarusian athletes representing their countries should not be allowed in domestic and international sporting tournaments throughout Putin’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine. That stance is still valid.
“Individually supported Russian and Belarusian athletes may compete in the UK as long as they abide by our neutrality guidelines. Based on adhering to that advice, we thus support the All England Lawn Tennis Club and Lawn Tennis Association’s strategy.
“The AELTC and LTA shouldn’t have ever received a penalty from the international tennis tours for defying Russian aggression. To do everything in our power to show our sympathy with Ukraine, the UK Government will continue to engage closely with regulatory bodies and event organisers.”
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