Halifax, Nova Scotia – the Davis Cup World Group – similar play between Canada and Israel will be played at a closed location this weekend without fans due to safety problems, Tennis Canada said Tuesday.
The organization said in a release that the decision was made in consultation with the International Tennis Federation because of “escalating safety problems” marked by local authorities and national security authorities.
It is also after more than 400 Canadian athletes and academics, including Olympic runner Moh Ahmed, urged Tennis Canada to cancel the draw about the actions of Israel in Gaza and the western Jordoever.
Gavin Ziv, CEO of Tennis Canada, called the result “very disappointing”, but said that the safety of athletes, fans and staff has the top priority.
“The core of this difficult decision is our responsibility to protect people and at the same time ensure that this Davis Cup band can still take place,” Ziv said. “We were forced to conclude that playing behind closed doors was the only way to protect both those involved and to retain the event itself.”
The draw, which is played on Friday and Saturday, initially had to be played in Scotiabank Center. Tennis Canada says that fans those tickets have purchased a full refund within 30 days.
“About 1500 tickets per day are repaid,” said a spokesperson for Tennis Canada. “If a profit is not for profit, we still assess the financial impact of this decision, but it is clear that it will lead to a considerable loss of income for us.
“Our priority, however, has always been the safety of people and first the safety behind closed doors is the only responsible option that can continue the draw while this risk is eliminated.”
Moreover, no media will be allowed in the location, where all players’ availability are almost hosted.
The regional police of Halifax did not say whether threats were targeted in the Israeli team, but said that officers will be present during the event.
The Center for Israel and Jewish Affairs said it was disappointed that the event had to be closed to fans.
“Juicing for Team Canada is part of what it means to be Canadian. Yet a small group of extremists has hijacked the Davis Cup, who silence thousands of fans – of whom many people traveled – who just wanted to proudly show in their country,” said the Cija in a statement.
“The decision of Tennis Canada was taken to protect the Canadians in the light of serious threats. It is unacceptable that hatred, intimidation and intimidation have made it unsafe to support our athletes in our own country.”
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