The Woman’s Tennis Associstion (WTA) has suspended all tournaments in China and Hong Kong over concerns about the Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai
The player posted an allegation of sexual assault against a top Chinese government official, at the beginning of November and there have been concerns about her whereabouts and treatment since
In a statement Steve Simon, WTA Chairman & CEO said
“Chinese officials have been provided the opportunity to cease this censorship, verifiably prove that Peng is free and able to speak without interference or intimidation, and investigate the allegation of sexual assault in a full, fair and transparent manner.
“Unfortunately, the leadership in China has not addressed this very serious issue in any credible way. While we now know where Peng is, I have serious doubts that she is free, safe and not subject to censorship, coercion and intimidation. The WTA has been clear on what is needed here, and we repeat our call for a full and transparent investigation – without censorship – into Peng Shuai’s sexual assault accusation.”
