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Diogo Jota death causes Wimbledon to break centuries old rule for first time

The death of the football player has caused Wimbledon to amend its rules for the first time in nearly 150 years

A general view as Francisco Cabral of Portugal and Lucas Miedler of Austria play against Jamie Murray of Great Britain and Rajeev Ram of United States during the Gentlemen's Doubles first round match on day four of The Championships Wimbledon 2025

Wimbledon has permitted players to wear black armbands while competing today (July 3), to pay tribute to Diogo Jota.

The death of Liverpool FC's Diogo Jota has caused Wimbledon bosses to make a shock alteration to its rules.

Bosses of the tournament said tennis players are permitted to wear black armbands while competing today (July 3), to pay tribute to the footballer.

Diogo, 28, and brother, Andre Silva, 26, died in a car accident in the early hours of this morning in Zamora, Spain, after the Guardia Civil said a tyre was believed to have burst, forcing the Lamborghini to veer off the road.

Officials said: "A vehicle left the road and everything indicates a tyre burst while overtaking.

"As a result of the accident, the car caught fire and both people were killed. Pending the completion of forensic tests, one of the deceased has been identified as Diogo Jota, a Liverpool FC player, and his brother, Andre Felipe," Sky News reported.

Wimbledon's decision to break the strict regulations for dress code acts as a tribute to the late football star.

The All England Lawn Tennis Club, especially during Wimbledon, have strict rules regarding dress code, with tennis players expected to wear white.

Guidelines regarding the Wimbledon dress code date back to the 1880s, but this tragic event has caused officials to act, breaking a crucial dress code rule.

News of the competition's decision to grant the athletes to wear a black armband comes after Portuguese tennis player, Francisco Cabral, revealed his plans to pay tribute to the footballer.

He sent his "best wishes" to Diogo's family, speaking after his victory in the men's doubles on Thursday: “I have seen the very sad news.

“The guy is a big name, not just in Portugal but in the world. He was a great human being with a nice family and three kids. My best wishes to them all. For his family it is very tough to recover from that.

“I couldn’t get one [a black armband] in time today, but I want to in the next one," WalesOnline reported.

Tributes to the footballer have flooded in, with Piers Morgan and Gary Neville some of the first to send out their condolences to Diogo's family.

Former Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, also issued a heartfelt post, stating: "This is a moment where I struggle!

"There must be a bigger purpose! But I can’t see it! I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother André.

"Diogo was a not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father! We will miss you so much!

"All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them! Rest in peace - LoveJ."

The Liverpool FC player leaves behind his wife, Rute Cardoso, and three young children.

Diogo had only married his long-term partner 11 days prior to his tragic death.

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