Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba insists Wimbledon ‘should not hand Putin wins’ after Russian and Belarusian athletes were allowed to compete at this year’s event, as he asks ‘what has changed?’ since they were banned in 2022
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has accused Wimbledon of ‘handing Putin wins’ by allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete this year.
The All England Club announced last month they would lift their ban on competitors from the countries responsible for last year’s invasion of Ukraine, after not allowing them to take part in 2022.
The ban affected the event’s credibility, as ranking points were stripped from the Championships.
It’s reversal came after the heavy threat of further fines and sanctions from the two tours.
For Kuleba, the decision to reverse the ban ‘lacked courage’, as he wrote in the Express: ‘Last year, Wimbledon took the difficult but noble decision to bar competitors from Russia and Belarus.
Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba has accused Wimbledon of ‘a lack of courage’
It comes after the All England Club lifted its ban imposed on players from Russia and Belarus following the invasion of Ukraine
Supporters at Wimbledon show their support for the Ukrainian players last year
‘Organisers deserve credit for doing the right thing. What has changed since? We should not hand Putin wins.
‘If the Wimbledon organisers lack courage, official London could stand firm and shut the door.’
Russian players competing in other tennis tournaments have already caused controversy, with Anastasia Potapova coming under fire from world number one Iga Swiatek for wearing a Spartak Moscow shirt on court in California.
For Wimbledon specifically, Sportsmail’s Mike Dickson raised concerns over Ukrainian players refusing to shake Russian hands, a usually amiable crowd turning hostile and the Princess of Wales being put in an unfortunate position for the trophy presentation.
All England Club Chairman Ian Hewitt said the decision to rescind the ban had been taken reluctantly and under heavy pressure from the rest of tennis.
‘We continue to condemn totally Russia’s illegal invasion and our wholehearted support remains with the people of Ukraine,’ he insisted.
‘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.
Anastasia Potapova received a warning from the WTA for this picture she shared on Instagram where the Russian tennis star is seen wearing a Spartak Moscow shirt
The likes of Aryna Sabalenka (left) and Daniil Medvedev (right) are among those likely to return to the tournament
‘We are thankful for the Government’s support as we and our fellow tennis stakeholder bodies have navigated this complex matter and agreed on conditions we believe are workable.
‘If circumstances change materially between now and the commencement of The Championships, we will consider and respond accordingly.’
A further All England Club statement read: ‘Our current intention is to accept entries from Russian and Belarusian players subject to them competing as ‘neutral’ athletes and complying with appropriate conditions.
‘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.’