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Andy Murray ‘not supportive’ of Wimbledon ban on Russian athletes
Tennis star Andy Murray is the latest to condemn Wimbledon’s ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes
Andy Murray isn’t supportive of the plan but understands there is no clear answer to the war in Ukraine.
“I’m not supportive of players getting banned…”
“My understanding of the guidance was that Russians and Belarusians can play if they sign a declaration that they’re against the war and against the Russian regime. I’m not sure how comfortable I would feel if something happened to one of the players or their families [as a result].
“I don’t think there’s a right answer. I have spoken to some of the Russian players. I’ve spoken to some of the Ukrainian players. I feel really bad for the players who aren’t allowed to play and I get that it will seem unfair to them.
“But I also know some of the people who work at Wimbledon, and I know how difficult a position they were in. I feel for everyone, feel for the players that can’t play, and I don’t support one side or the other.”
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This comes after Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic used their voices to condemn the ban, urging the organisation to find a solution.
The idea of Russian and Belarusian athletes signing a declaration to say they were against the war and the Russian regime was an option.
However, Wimbledon says this could put the players and their families in danger and are not backing down on their decision to ban the athletes.
This comes as Russia recently imposed a 15-year jail term for spreading fake news, which could put any Russian who speaks out against the war at risk.
Despite the conflicting opinions on the ban, Murray is set to donate all of his prize money this season to humanitarian aid in Ukraine.