Rome – The president of the Italian National Olympic Committee (Coni) has backed Wimbledon’s decision to exclude Russian and Belarusian professional tennis players.
The organisers of the grass court tournament classic in London have followed the directive of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Coni head Giovanni Malagò told the Italian daily “Corriere della Sera”.
Media were also already speculating about an exclusion for the Italian Open scheduled for May. “The decision is up to the government. It will examine the case, weigh the situation, then it will make a choice and I am convinced the best one for the country,” the 63-year-old continued.
Wimbledon organisers decided last week not to allow Russian and Belarusian professional tennis players at the Grand Slam tournament in June. The athletes’ associations WTA and ATP criticised them for this.
Malagò did not directly advocate an exclusion, but referred to the IOC’s recommendation. “I repeat, in Italy I represent the IOC. And the Executive Board has recommended to all federations not to invite Russian and Belarusian athletes to their tournaments and sporting events.” Wimbledon had followed suit.