Wimbledon lifts ban on Russian, Belarusian players, to compete as 'neutrals'

The players will be prohibited from expressing support for the invasion and must not receive funding from the Russian or Belarusian states, tournament organisers the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) said in a statement.

"We continue to condemn totally Russia's illegal invasion and our wholehearted support remains with the people of Ukraine," AELTC chairman Ian Hewitt said.

"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."

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Wimbledon's decision was "immoral" and urged Britain to deny Russian and Belarusian players visas.

"Has Russia ceased its aggression or atrocities? No, it's just that Wimbledon decided to accommodate two accomplices in crime," Kuleba wrote on twitter.

Wimbledon's decision to permit the participation of Russian and Belarusian players is immoral. Has Russia ceased its aggression or atrocities? No, it’s just that Wimbledon decided to accommodate two accomplices in crime. I call on the UK government to deny visas to their players.

Wimbledon had said last year that barring players from the two countries was its only viable option under guidance provided by the British government following the invasion, which Moscow calls a "special military operation."

Wimbledon said in its statement on Friday that the option of personal player declarations was not viable last year, but these difficulties had since been overcome following engagement with the government and tennis stakeholders.

It added the approach had the support of the government,