French Ministry Of Sports Mandatory Vaccines For Professional Athletes

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JAKARTA - Novak Djokovic may not be able to play at the French Open due to his current condition, after the local Sports Ministry said Monday there would be no exceptions to the newly passed vaccine permit law.

World number one Djokovic, who has not been vaccinated against COVID-19, was deported from Australia on Sunday ahead of the year's first Grand Slam tournament after losing a court case that upheld the government's decision to cancel his visa.

France's vaccine permit law, approved by parliament on Sunday, would require people to have vaccination certificates to enter public places, such as restaurants, cafes, cinemas and long-distance trains.

"The rules are simple. A vaccine permit will take effect, as soon as the law is enacted, in places where it is already required, subject to a health permit," the French sports ministry said, as quoted by Reuters.

"This applies to everyone who is a spectator or professional sportsman. And here until further notice."

"Now, concerning Roland Garros, in May. The situation may change between now and then and we hope it will be more favorable. So we'll see, but there are definitely no exceptions."

Serbia's Djokovic, who was barred from the Australian Open for a record 21st Grand Slam title, has refused to be vaccinated and was criticized for attending a public event last month after testing positive for the coronavirus.