Ukrainian and Wimbledon tennis star Marta Kostyuk has given her verdict on the International Olympic Committee’s decision to allow Russia to compete at the 2028 Olympic Games.

The IOC have provisionally lifted the suspension of Russian athletes, which could mean they are able to compete in two years’ time. The World Anti-Doping Agency banned Russia from international competition for four years back in 2019.

This was later reduced to two years after arbitration, and Russia could now participate in other sporting events, including the 2030 World Cup. That’s despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, which started four years ago and saw Russia step up attacks on Kyiv in recent months.

‘I Don’t Agree’ – Kostyuk on Russia in Olympics

Marko Djurica via Action Images via Reuters

Kostyuk, who is from Kyiv, Ukraine, advanced to the semi-finals at Wimbledon after beating Italy’s Jasmine Paolini. She has slammed the IOC’s “terrible decision.”

The world number 13 told reporters after her win over Paolini: “My thoughts are that it’s terrible. I think it’s very, very far from fair play for all the countries involved here, not just for Ukraine. I 100 per cent don’t agree with this decision.”

Kostyuk vowed to beat any Russian opposition at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles: “I don’t think anything is going to change. I just want to go out there and hopefully beat every single Russian I play in the Olympics, and that’s it.”

The IOC suspended the Russian Olympic Committee in 2023, but the ban is said to be “no longer applicable”, allowing Russia to compete again. Russian athletes must “meet relevant anti-doping requirements” to participate in two years’ time.

Other Ukrainian sportspeople have spoken up against the decision, including skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych. He was disqualified from the 2026 Winter Olympics after carrying a message about Ukraine and he branded the IOC’s call ‘absolutely shameful.’

Kostyuk on Ukraine War Impacting Her at Wimbledon

Marko Djurica via Action Images via Reuters

Four years on and the war in Ukraine continues to take the lives of innocent people. The attacks in Kyiv occurred close to where Kostyuk’s family reside and she has highlighted just how difficult it is to focus on Wimbledon.

Kostyuk told the press: “It’s not easy to disconnect entirely. It was really tough for me last week when the first big attack happened. Then, on Monday, they ruined like four streets of residential buildings. It was like five kilometres away from where my parents live.

She added: “Again, another difficult night and a lot of dead people, innocent people, kids. It’s not easy. I tried to be aware of everything that’s going on. Of course, I try [not to let] these things influence me too much. Every day is different. I cope with it as it goes.”

Kostyuk faces Czech Linda Noskova in her first Wimbledon semi-final on Friday. She is standing up against the IOC’s decision but, in the meantime, is trying to make history by becoming the second Ukrainian since Lyudmyla Kichenok in 2023 to become a Wimbledon champion.

Didier Deschamps has placed his trust in the Argentine referees ahead of France’s World Cup quarter-final against Morocco tomorrow (July 9th).

There has been plenty of backlash over FIFA’s decision to appoint a team full of Argentine officials for the clash between Les Bleus and the Atlas Lions. Tension between Argentina and France from the 2022 World Cup final has built a rivalry between the two nations.

Deschamps gave a frosty response to questions about the situation and alluded to the refereeing performance in Argentina’s controversial 3-2 win against Morocco. French referee Francois Letexier has come under fire for several contentious decisions made during the Round of 32 game on Sunday.

Deschamps Praise For Argentina vs Egypt Referee

REUTERS/Mike Segar

Letexier ruled out an Egyptian goal after VAR intervened for a tame foul, which would have made it 2-0 to the African nation. A similar challenge occurred in the build-up to Enzo Fernandez’s winner, leaving the Egyptians irate.

Deschamps fielded questions ahead of France’s encounter with Morocco, and many of them focused on the appointment of Argentine officials. He eventually responded to one reporter: “We have to deal with it. I trust the referees. Our opponent is Morocco, not the referee. Let’s hope ours are as good as Monsieur Letexier was.”

FIFA have confirmed that Facundo Tello will referee the game, and he will be supported by assistants Juan Pablo Belatti and Gabriel Chade. Fellow Argentine Dario Herrera has been named the fourth official, making this the first match to be handled exclusively by a single nation.

Tello has a reputation for being card-happy and, in fact, handed out 10 red cards in one match. That came when he officiated the Argentine Super Cup back in 2022 and he’s now set to take charge of one of the biggest games at this year’s World Cup.

France have been the team to beat this summer’s World Cup and head into the game against Morocco as favourites. There is still a chance that a repeat of the 2022 final between the two nations in Qatar takes place.

Argentina are defending their World Cup and overcame Egypt with a late comeback win. The Moroccan manager and players hit out at Letexier’s performance and felt the South Americans and Lionel Messi were handed preferential treatment.

France Not Concerned

REUTERS/Mike Segar

The feeling in the French camp isn’t one of concern, and the squad are remaining professional rather than focusing on the officiating. Deschamps isn’t the only one from the France team to downplay the appointment’s significance.

Dayot Upamecano has also insisted that it has no impact: “I’m not going to focus on who the referee will be. We’ve never done that before, we’re going to focus on Morocco.”

Should France beat Morocco, they will face either Spain or Belgium in the semi-finals. A meeting with Argentina could take place in the final if Lionel Scaloni’s men defeat Switzerland in the quarter-finals and England or Norway in the semis.

Liverpool are eyeing up a move to sign Wolves star Mateus Mane this summer, but the clubs are well apart on their valuation, according to United in Focus.

The Reds are looking to rebuild their squad under new manager Andoni Iraola after a disappointing campaign in which they finished fifth in the Premier League, and they have seen key players Ibrahima Konate, Andy Robertson, and Mohamed Salah depart since the end of the season.

Iraola has so far been able to bring in Victor Munoz in attack, while young defender Jeremy Jacquet has arrived following a deal being agreed in January, but now the Anfield club are looking at other players they could bring in to bolster the side.

Liverpool Eyeing Wolves Star Mane

According to a report, Liverpool are keeping a close eye on Portugal youth international Mane in the transfer window.

The 18-year-old was one of the standout performers for Wolves in the Premier League last season as they were relegated to the Championship, but he penned a new long-term contract to commit to the club in the long-term.

However, a number of clubs are ready to test Wolves’ resolve following their relegation, with a £35m price tag reportedly put on the attacking midfielder’s head.

But while Liverpool are big fans of the youngster, who has been described as ‘special’, they are not willing to pay anywhere near the £35m asking price currently, and so far have made no plans to lodge a formal bid.

Mane is capable of playing in midfield, as a number ten, or as a winger, and that versatility has seen him impress a number of clubs. But Liverpool aren’t willing to pay such a high fee for a player with such limited first-team experience at the top level, and a deal is not currently expected to happen.

Man Utd are also showing an interest, and while they agree with Liverpool that £35m is said to be too high, they are reportedly eyeing a £20m bid to tempt Wolves. It remains to be seen if Liverpool would consider matching that should they get a positive response.

Liverpool Must Be Sensible With Budget

While Mane is clearly a top talent and someone who has a bright future in the game, Liverpool are in a position where they have to be sensible with their budget.

The club broke the British transfer record twice last summer in deals that didn’t work out too well, while Arne Slot has been sacked and will be due compensation. But there are also a number of positions that need strengthening this summer, which means they can’t throw the cash around in the same way.

Mane would add something to the squad undoubtedly, but at the steep price of £35m, they must prioritise other players in other positions first and then re-evaluate the situation.