Russian sports stars aren’t ‘neutral,’ says famous Czech hockey player Hasek

Czech hockey goaltender and two-time Stanley Cup winner Dominik Hasek has weighed in on the recent statement by the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) concerning the Czech government’s decision to deport a Russian tennis player.

Read also: Over 200 Russian athletes renounce citizenship since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Taking to his Twitter account, Hasek accused the association of spreading falsehoods regarding the “neutrality” of representatives from unfriendly countries, and condemned the full-scale Russian invasion. He also claimed that the WTA would face significant financial repercussions for its stance, as it “would have to pay billions to Ukraine.”

“Stop lying! They are citizens of Russia and Belarus and represent the actions of their country. That is Russian aggressive war, killings and crimes, including genocide.”

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“Because they can play in tournaments, many more Ukrainians and Russians die. The WTA bears full responsibility for this and will pay billions of $ to Ukraine,” wrote Hasek.

A WTA tournament will take place in Prague from July 31 to Aug. 5.

Earlier, the Interior Ministry of the Czech Republic deported a Russian tennis player who came to participate in the WTA competition.

On June 29, the Czech government banned its athletes and teams from participating in competitions on the territory of the Russian Federation and also imposed a ban on Russian athletes and teams from competing in tournaments in the Czech Republic.

Read also: Ministry of Sports blacklists renowned athletes for violating Ukraine’s wartime return policy

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