Wimbledon lifts ban on players from Belarus, Russia

March 31, BPN. Wimbledon’s organizers, the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club (AELTC), say they are willing to allow Russian and Belarusian players to compete at this year’s tournaments as “neutral” athletes under certain 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,” AELTC said in a statement on March 31.

It added that players and their assistants would be offered to sign personal declarations.

“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,” AELTC Chairman Ian Hewitt said.

On April 20, 2022, the organizers decided to ban Russian and Belarusian players from the 2022 Grand Slam. The decision was due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including from Belarusian territory.