Ukrainian hero and former world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko has been criticised for calling on Russian boxers to be banned from competition amid the country’s military invasion of Ukraine.
Sports stars from Russia and Belarus continue to face uncertain futures amid Vladimir Putin's widely condemned military assault on neighbouring Ukraine. Millions have fled the country, and the European response has spilled over into the sporting arena on various fronts.
In tennis, Wimbledon announced Russian and Belarusian players will be banned from competing in the prestigious tournament, which is set to begin in June. It means the likes of US Open champion Daniil Medvedev and World No.4 Aryna Sabalenka will be absent from the tournament.