Peng Shuai (Ansa)

  • The Chinese government attacks: "The case of tennis player Peng Shuai is artfully mounted"

  • The women's tennis federation: "Peng's phone call with IOC president is not enough"

  • China, tennis player Peng Shuai to president IOC: "I'm fine"

  • China: media publish two videos of Peng, doubts about authenticity

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01 December 2021 The WTA, the association that brings together all tennis players, announced in a statement "the immediate suspension" of all tournaments in China and Hong Kong in light of the unclear situation linked to the conditions of Peng Shuai, who recently went missing for a few weeks after filing allegations of sexual harassment against former Chinese Deputy Prime Minister Zhang Gaoli.



"I cannot ask our athletes to compete there - explained the CEO of the WTA, Steve Simone -. In the current state of things I am also very worried about the risks that all our players and our staff could face if we were to organize events. in China in 2022 ". "To further protect Peng and many other women around the world, it is more necessary than ever for people to speak freely," she said. "The WTA will do everything possible to protect its players. In the meantime, I hope the leaders of all the world keep talking so that Peng and all the other women can get justice. " 



The message published on the WTA website


When Peng Shuai released a sexual assault allegation against a senior Chinese government official on November 2, 2021, the Women's Tennis Association acknowledged that Peng Shuai's message needed to be heard and taken seriously. WTA players, not to mention women all over the world, deserve nothing less, "writes Steve Simon, CEO of the WTA.



"From that point on, Peng Shuai has demonstrated the importance of speaking, particularly when it comes to sexual assaults, and especially when powerful people are involved. As Peng said in his post, 'even if it's like an egg that it hits a rock, or if I'm like a moth attracted to the flame, which invites self-destruction, I'll tell the truth about you. 'I admire his strength and courage, "continues Simon.



"The WTA has been clear about what is needed here and we reiterate our call for a full and transparent, uncensored investigation into Peng Shuai's sexual assault allegation - he points out in another passage of the message posted on the WTA website. - None of this is acceptable nor can it become acceptable. If powerful people can suppress the voices of women and sweep the allegations of sexual assault under the rug, then the foundation on which the WTA was founded - equality for women. women - would suffer an immense setback ".



"I do not want and cannot allow this to happen to the WTA and its players. Consequently, and with the full support of the Board of Directors, I announce the immediate suspension of all WTA tournaments in China, including Hong Kong. In good conscience , I don't see how I can ask our athletes to compete there when Peng Shuai is not allowed to communicate freely and has apparently been under pressure to contradict her sexual assault allegation. "