|
The ban was instituted after Russia invaded Ukraine and Belarus
stood in support. Men from those countries were not allowed to
play in pro grass-court tournaments ahead of Wimbledon.
The association issued a statement Wednesday in response to the
fine.
"The LTA is deeply disappointed with this," read the statement,
as published by Reuters. "The ATP, in its finding, has shown no
recognition of the exceptional circumstances created by Russia's
invasion of Ukraine, or the international sporting community and
UK Government's response to that invasion.
"The ATP appear to regard this matter as a straightforward
breach of their rules -- with a surprising lack of empathy shown
for the situation in Ukraine, and a clear lack of understanding
of the unique circumstances the LTA faced."
A United Kingdom official also criticized the ATP Tour.
"The UK has taken a world-leading role to build this
international response," said Michelle Donelan, the culture
secretary, per Reuters. "We are clear that sport cannot be used
to legitimize this deadly invasion, and that athletes
representing the Russian or Belarusian states should be banned
from competing in other countries.
"Despite widespread condemnation, the international tennis tours
are determined to be outcasts in this, with investment in the
growth of our domestic game hampered as a result."
Earlier this year, the LTA was slapped with a fine of about
$750,000 for barring female players from the two countries. The
fine is under appeal.
The LTA said the two fines will take money away from planned
tournaments that could boost lesser players.
"We had intended to host a number of ATP Challenger level events
to give more opportunities to lower ranked players in the first
quarter of 2023 and will now not be able to do this,
particularly given the possibility of further fines," the LTA
statement said.
--Field Level Media
[© 2022 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content. |
|
