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The Facts
The All England Club (AELTC) has lifted a ban imposed last year on Russian and Belarusian players at Wimbledon, it was announced Friday. Their participation will be subject to a number of conditions, including that they feature as "neutral athletes."
Although the players will now be allowed to compete in July's Grand Slam, they must refrain from expressing support for the invasion of Ukraine and will be restricted from receiving funding from their home governments.
The Spin
Narrative A
The AELTC still totally condemns the illegal invasion of Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people. However, careful consideration of all factors has concluded that a reversal of this ban is the most appropriate course of action at this time. Russian and Belarusian athletes — some of whom do not even support the invasion — should not be punished for the Kremlin's decisions.
Narrative B
It is crucial that Russian and Belarusian athletes continue to be banned from Wimbledon for as long as innocent Ukrainians are being killed. The situation in Ukraine is the same as it was when this ban was imposed; as nothing has changed on the ground, nothing should change with the AELTC. It is crucial that Wimbledon uses its far-reaching brand and platform to show solidarity with Kyiv.
