Wimbledon announces lifting ban on Russian, Belarusian players
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Players from Russia and Belarusia will be allowed to enter the Grand Slam in July after being banned in 2022.
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A logo is pictured on a court cover of the 5th day of the 2021 Wimbledon Championships in Wimbledon, UK. (AFP)
Russian and Belarusian players will be able to compete at Wimbledon this year after organizers declared Friday that they were lifting a ban imposed in 2022.
Competitors from the two countries will be allowed to enter the Grand Slam in July if they compete as "neutral" athletes and comply with "appropriate conditions."
In a statement, the All England Club said: "These will prohibit expressions of support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine in various forms and prohibit entry by players receiving funding from the Russian and-or Belarusian states (including sponsorship from companies operated or controlled by the states) in relation to their participation in the championships."
AELTC statement regarding player entries for The Championships 2023 ⬇️
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) March 31, 2023
Chairman of the All England Club, Ian Hewitt, said: "This was an incredibly difficult decision, not taken lightly or without a great deal of consideration for those who will be impacted. It is our view that considering all factors, these are the most appropriate arrangements for the championships for this year."
It has been argued many times that the anti-Russian sanctions reflected a sentiment of Russophobia, as they have gone and affected sports, literature, art, and all aspects of Russian culture.
Read more: Wimbledon using Russian tennis players as "political hostages"
