Tennis star Daniil Medvedev says Wimbledon’s decision to ban all Russian and Belarusian players from this year’s tournament sets the precedent that sporting authorities can eliminate competitors for their political views.
The Grand Slam previously made the decision on the grounds that allowing players from those countries to compete would be a victory for “the propaganda machine of the Russian regime.”
However, both the men’s ATP and women’s WTA tours have slammed the move as discriminatory and threatened to strip Wimbledon of ranking points in retaliation for the ban.
Russians and Belarusians are still allowed to compete in other tournaments under a neutral representation.
Current world number 2 Medvedev, who has already called for peace in Ukraine, says the ban is “unfair” and is dangerous because it “sets a precedent and puts other sports competitions in an uncomfortable position.”
In other words, even after the war in Ukraine is over, sports professionals could face career ruination because they oppose or even just refuse to comment on whatever the latest political ‘current thing’ may be.
One can easily imagine a future where prominent public figures are punished for failing to endorse the ‘right’ political candidate or express support for whatever contemporary hot button issue is on the agenda.
Novak Djokavic was already punished by Australian authorities earlier this year for refusing to take a COVID-19 vaccine.
Medvedev also asserted that it was his right to appear at Wimbledon under current immigration laws.
“Currently in the United Kingdom, Russian self-employed workers have the right to work. So if I have the opportunity to play Wimbledon, I’d be delighted,” he said.
As we previously highlighted, the French Open tennis tournament has also warned Russian players not to make political statements in support of President Vladimir Putin if they wish to take part in the grand slam.
Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina also previously demanded that Russian and Belarusian players be subjected to ideological purity tests before they are allowed to compete in international tournaments.
by Paul Joseph Watson
Join: 👉 https://t.me/acnewspatriots
The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of AC.NEWS
Disclaimer: This article may contain statements that reflect the opinion of the author. The contents of this article are of sole responsibility of the author(s). AC.News will not be responsible for any inaccurate or incorrect statement in this article www.ac.news websites contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available to our readers under the provisions of “fair use” in an effort to advance a better understanding of political, health, economic and social issues. The material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving it for research and educational purposes. If you wish to use copyrighted material for purposes other than “fair use” you must request permission from the copyright owner. Reprinting this article: Non-commercial use OK. If you wish to use copyrighted material for purposes other than “fair use” you must request permission from the copyright owner.
Disclaimer: The information and opinions shared are for informational purposes only including, but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material are not intended as medical advice or instruction. Nothing mentioned is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Discussion about this post