Women’s Tennis Association has just announced that it will immediately suspend all tennis tournaments in China as concerns grow for the safety and wellbeing of Peng Shuai
All events in China and Hong Kong will be immediately suspended amid concern for Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai.
"With the full support of the WTA Board of Directors, I am announcing the immediate suspension of all WTA tournaments in China, including Hong Kong."
WTA chairman Steve Simon said the decision was made on Thursday after repeated attempts to contact the former world No.1 doubles player.
“When on November 2, 2021, Peng Shuai posted an allegation of sexual assault against a top Chinese government official, the Women’s Tennis Association recognised that Peng Shuai’s message had to be listened to and taken seriously,” Simon said on the WTA website.
“The players of the WTA, not to mention women around the world, deserve nothing less.
“From that moment forward, Peng Shuai demonstrated the importance of speaking out, particularly when it comes to sexual assault, and especially when powerful people are involved. As Peng said in her post, “Even if it is like an egg hitting a rock, or if I am like a moth drawn to the flame, inviting self-destruction, I will tell the truth about you.” She knew the dangers she would face, yet she went public anyway. I admire her strength and courage.
“Since then, Peng’s message has been removed from the internet and discussion of this serious issue has been censored in China.”
Simon said the decision was supported by the WTA Board of Directors and he was “concerned” for the safety of players and staff if WTA events were held in China.
”The WTA will do everything possible to protect its players. As we do so, I hope leaders around the world will continue to speak out so justice can be done for Peng, and all women, no matter the financial ramifications,” Simon said.
Boycott the olympics?
This follows Human Rights Watch accusing the International Olympic Committee of being complicit in China’s rights abuses, ahead of the 2022 Beijing Winter Games.
Peng disappeared for nearly three weeks after alleging on social media that China’s former Vice-Premier had sexually assaulted her.
Sophie Richardson is the China Director of the Human Rights Watch and says there is something bigger at play in the region.
"To see the IOC participate in an exercise that could only have happened with Chinese officials permission, is really quite distressing"@SophieHRW China Director @hrw on a senior Olympic official defending #IOC efforts to confirm the safety of Peng Shuai #WhereIsPengShuaipic.twitter.com/4HdH80G5ZQ
Any transgender athlete, who has gone through male puberty, won’t be allowed to compete in female world ranking competitions
World Athletics has banned transgender women from competing in the female category at international events.
Any transgender athlete, who has gone through male puberty, won’t be allowed to compete in female world ranking competitions.
The governing body’s President says the decision was guided by the principle to protect the female category.
“Decisions are always difficult when they involve conflicting needs and rights between different groups, but we continue to take the view that we must maintain fairness for female athletes above all other considerations,” said Lord Coe.
“We will be guided in this by the science around physical performance and male advantage which will inevitably develop over the coming years.
“As more evidence becomes available, we will review our position, but we believe the integrity of the female category in athletics is paramount.”
Así fue la anotación de Leandro Requena desde su propia puerta y que dejó a Brayan Cortés quieto, provocando el error del portero albo en el #CSLvsCCxTNTSports. pic.twitter.com/HDL2K22QnS
Last Saturday’s Match of the Day was broadcast without presenters or commentary and was only 20 minutes long – with many of Lineker’s BBC Sport colleagues walked out in “solidarity”.
The BBC has since said it will launch an independent review of its social media guidelines, particularly for freelancers like Lineker.
But, in the meantime, he is free to return to hosting duties.
At the start of the BBC’s live coverage of Manchester City v Burnley in the FA Cup on Saturday, Shearer addressed the elephant in the room.