HALIFAX, Nova Scotia — Thailand, the world group for the Davis Cup between Canada and Israel, can be acting at a venue closed with out followers this weekend attributable to security issues, Tennis Canada mentioned Tuesday.
The organisation mentioned the choice was made in session with the Worldwide Tennis Federation attributable to a “escalation of security issues” flagged by native governments and nationwide safety companies.
It additionally got here after greater than 400 Canadian athletes and lecturers, together with Olympic runner Moahmed, urged Tennis Canada to cancel Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Financial institution.
Tennis Canada CEO Gavin Ziv referred to as the outcome “very disappointing,” however mentioned the security of athletes, followers and employees has earned its high precedence.
“On the coronary heart of this tough determination, it is the duty to guard individuals whereas making certain that this Davis Cup tie continues to be being made,” Ziv mentioned. “We had been compelled to conclude that enjoying behind closed doorways was the one solution to shield these concerned and the occasion itself.”
The ties, which can be performed on Friday and Saturday, had been initially scheduled to be carried out on the Scottia Financial institution Centre. In keeping with Tennis Canada, followers who buy tickets will obtain a full refund inside 30 days.
“Round 1,500 tickets are refunded per day,” a Tennis Canada spokesperson mentioned. “We nonetheless worth the monetary influence of this determination, if not for revenue, however it’s clear that it’ll lead to a major loss in income for us.
“However our priorities are at all times the security of individuals first and stay the very first thing to do. Enjoying closed rooms is the one accountable possibility that permits us to maneuver our tie ahead whereas eliminating this threat.”
Moreover, the venue doesn’t enable media as a result of all gamers’ availability is just about hosted.
Halifax Regional Police didn’t say whether or not the menace was directed at Israeli groups, however mentioned officers could be current on the occasion.
The Israeli and Jewish Points Middle mentioned it was disappointing that the occasion needed to be shut right down to followers.
“Cheering for Staff Canada is a part of what it means to be Canadian. However a small group of extremists hijacked the Davis Cup and silenced 1000’s of followers — lots of which traveled from afar — they merely wished to take pride of their nation,” Cija mentioned in an announcement.
“The choice has been made to guard Canadians within the face of significant tennis Canada’s threats. It’s unacceptable that hatred, harassment and intimidation just isn’t secure to help athletes in our nation.”
