Ukraine Reacts To Wimbledon Lifting The Ban On Russian And Belarusian Athletes

The decision by Wimbledon to allow Russian and Belarusian tennis players to compete in the oldest tennis tournament in the world was deemed “immoral” by Ukraine’s foreign minister on Friday. Ukraine requested that the UK prevent participants from the two nations from entering.

“Wimbledon’s decision to permit the participation of Russian and Belarusian players is immoral. Has Russia ceased its aggression or atrocities? No, it’s just that Wimbledon decided to accommodate two accomplices in crime. I call on the UK government to deny visas to their players,” Dmytro Kuleba said on social media.

Wimbledon announced earlier in the day that it would eliminate its restriction on Russian and Belarusian players competing in the competition, subject to certain conditions. The requirement that athletes from two different nations participate as neutral athletes still stand.

Both speaking out against the ongoing Russian offensive in Ukraine and accepting funding from Russia or Belarus will be forbidden.

According to a joint statement released at the time by the All England Club and the Committee of Management of The Championships, players from the two countries were barred from Wimbledon last year in an effort to prevent the Russian regime from “deriving any benefits” from the event in light of its “unjustified and unprecedented military aggression”.

Ian Hewitt, the chairman of the All England Club, has stated that the organization was worried about the player and public safety.

Ian Hewitt commented this past Friday: “We continue to condemn totally Russia’s illegal invasion and our wholehearted support remains with the people of Ukraine. 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.”