Wimbledon lifts ban on Russian and Belarusian players

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In this file photo taken on June 28, 2021 a member of Britain's armed forces stands on duty ahead of a men's singles first round match, under the closed roof on Centre Court, on the first day of the 2021 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon, south-west London. - Russian and Belarusian players will be allowed to compete at Wimbledon this year after organisers announced on Friday, March 31, they were lifting a ban imposed in 2022. - Pic: AFP

LONDON - Russian and Belarusian players will be allowed to compete at Wimbledon this year after organisers announced on Friday they were lifting a ban imposed in 2022.

Competitors from the two countries will be able to enter the Grand Slam in July if they compete as "neutral" athletes and comply with "appropriate conditions".

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"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," the All England Club said in a statement.

The same conditions will apply for the other British grass-court tournaments.

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Ian Hewitt, chairman of the All England Club, said: "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." - AFP

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