Wimbledon face legal action over decision to ban Belarusian players from SW19 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

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WIMBLEDON face potential legal action from the Belarusian Tennis Federation over the hardline stance taken for the 2022 Championships.

The All England Club and LTA have banned Russian and Belarusian tennis stars from competing this summer in UK grass-court events following the two-month “illegal” invasion of Ukraine.

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Wimbledon chiefs face legal action over banning Belarusian stars like Aryna SabalenkaCredit: Alamy

This decision will penalise the likes of world No.4 Aryna Sabalenka – who reached the 2021 Wimbledon semi-finals – and two-time Slam champion Victoria Azarenka, who both hail from Belarus.

In an official statement, the BTF “categorically condemned” the suspension, saying “such destructive actions in no way contribute to the resolution of conflicts but only incite hatred and intolerance on the basis of nationality”.

Officials in Minsk are exploring their options and are consulting lawyers two months before the start of the SW19 event.

The BTF said: “Famous athletes such as Novak Djokovic and Martina Navratilova have condemned the decision.

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“The decision goes against the joint statement of international tennis organisations, which allowed the players of Belarus and Russia to their personal competitions in a neutral status.

“Obviously, the reason for such a tough decision was the direct pressure of the British government.

“The pressure and discrimination exerted on the basis of nationality by the British government – which at the same time speaks about the prevention of racism – demonstrates the policy of double standards applied by the country’s leadership to athletes from Belarus and Russia.

“Throughout tennis history, the world has experienced armed conflicts – in Iran, Afghanistan, Syria, Yugoslavia and other countries.

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“But never until now have tournament organisers excluded athletes from the US, Great Britain and other countries from participating, and other athletes have not pushed the public to divide tennis players on a national basis.

“We once again note the policy of double standards applied to the current situation.

“At the moment, the BTF management continues to consult with international law firms on sports law and develop a strategy that is aimed at protecting, first of all, Belarusian tennis players around the world.

“We are aware of the ‘bias’ of the judicial system in the UK and understand that we will again be subjected to a policy of double standards.

“But we cannot and do not have the right to do nothing.

“The BTF is taking all possible actions to neutralise the current situation and assures that it will continue to defend the rights of Belarusian tennis players to participate in international tournaments.”

The Russian players have to speak up and choose their side

Elina Svitolina

Elina Svitolina, a 2019 Wimbledon semi-finalist and the highest-ranked Ukrainian player in the world, believes Russians and Belarusians should be allowed to play – IF they publicly denounce President Vladimir Putin.

A signed declaration form slamming Putin’s actions was one consideration by DCMS officials last month but Wimbledon have gone down the complete ban route.

World No.25 Svitolina, 27, told the BBC: “We don’t want to ban them completely. But we want them to speak up.

“To say their choice – if they’re with the rest of the world or with the Russian people and Russian government.

“If, for example, the players didn’t vote for this government, then it is fair that they will be allowed to play and compete.

“We are not personally against the tennis players – we are against the government.

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“We share a tennis court. So we want to know that you are against this. It is a horrible thing that is happening to Ukrainian people.

“For me, the Russian players have to speak up and choose their side.”





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