The international tennis association is sending a clear signal in the Peng Shuai case and is receiving support from international stars.
Fall Peng Shuai
The international tennis association is sending a clear signal in the Peng Shuai case and is receiving support from international stars.
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(AP) – Because the signals are off China on the fate of Peng Shuai not enough for it, the international tennis association WTA has taken seriously and all tournaments in the country suspended.
The head of the women’s professional tennis organization, Steve Simon, announced the corresponding step, which also includes events in Hong Kong, on Wednesday evening.
He also told the US news agency AP that this decision could also apply beyond 2022. “This is an organizational effort that really addresses something that is about what is right and wrong,” he said.
No other sports organization has so obviously taken on the Olympic host country in public. China is an important donor of the women’s tour with a number of events. There is an ongoing ten-year contract with the city of Shenzhen to host the WTA finals.
The end of relations with China could cost the WTA to boss Steve Simon millions.
Foto: Getty Images
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Ending relationships could cost the WTA millions. A good two months before the opening ceremony in Beijing, there is also increasing pressure on the International Olympic Committee, which has already received significant criticism for its handling of the unclear situation.
Peng Shuai, the former number one in the doubles world rankings, had in early November on the social network Weibo Alleged sexual assault by a top Chinese politician released. Your post was deleted soon after.
Since then, athletes, politicians and human rights activists have expressed concern for the tennis player’s well-being. The WTA suspects it is being pressurized and can no longer move freely.
Peng Shuai has made allegations against a top Chinese politician.
Photo: AFP
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Former world-class player and first WTA president Billie Jean King said she thinks it’s good that the WTA has “taken a strong stand in defense of human rights in China and around the world.” That is one of the reasons why women’s tennis is a leader in women’s sport. The WTA is “on the right side of history”.
“With a clear conscience I don’t see how we can ask our athletes to compete there if Peng Shuai is not allowed to communicate freely,” said WTA boss Simon in the message.
I will not and cannot allow this to happen to the WTA and its players.
Steve Simon
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Peng Shuai is apparently being pressured to back up her allegations of sexual assault. “If powerful people can suppress women’s voices and sweep allegations of sexual abuse under the rug, then the foundation on which the WTA was founded – equality for women – would suffer a huge setback,” wrote Simon. “I will not and cannot allow this to happen to the WTA and its players.”
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