![\"Davis](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ht-generic_sports2_1751287373503_1751287382987.jpg\" "\\"Davis")
Davis Cup tie between Canada and Israel in Halifax closed to fans for security reasons <\/p>\nHALIFAX, Nova Scotia \u2014 The Davis Cup World Group tie between Canada and Israel will be played in a closed venue without fans this weekend due to safety concerns, Tennis Canada announced Tuesday. <\/p>\n
Davis Cup tie between Canada and Israel in Halifax closed to fans for security reasons <\/p>\n
The organization said in a release that the decision was made in consultation with the International Tennis Federation due to \u201cescalating safety concerns\u201d flagged by local authorities and national security agencies. <\/p>\n
It also comes after more than 400 Canadian athletes and academics, including Olympic runner Moh Ahmed, urged Tennis Canada to cancel the tie over Israel\u2019s actions in Gaza and the West Bank. <\/p>\n
Tennis Canada CEO Gavin Ziv called the outcome \u201cvery disappointing\u201d but said the safety of athletes, fans and staff takes top priority. <\/p>\n
\u201cAt the heart of this difficult decision is our responsibility to protect people while ensuring that this Davis Cup tie can still take place,\u201d Ziv said. \u201cWe were forced to conclude that playing behind closed doors was the only way to both safeguard those involved and preserve the event itself.\u201d <\/p>\n
The tie, which will be played on Friday and Saturday, was initially to be played at Scotiabank Centre. Tennis Canada says fans who purchased tickets will receive a full refund within 30 days. <\/p>\n
\u201cRoughly 1,500 tickets per day are being refunded,\u201d a Tennis Canada spokesperson said. \u201cAs a not for profit, we\u2019re still assessing the financial impact of this decision but it\u2019s clear it will result in a significant loss of revenue for us. <\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, our priority has always been and remains the safety of people first. Playing behind closed doors is the only responsible option that allows the tie to go ahead while eliminating this risk.\u201d <\/p>\n
In addition, there will be no media allowed into the venue, with all player availabilities being hosted virtually. <\/p>\n
Halifax Regional Police did not say whether threats were directed at the Israeli team, but said officers will be present at the event. <\/p>\n
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs said it was disappointed the event had to be closed to fans. <\/p>\n
\u201cCheering for Team Canada is part of what it means to be Canadian. Yet, a small group of extremists have hijacked the Davis Cup, silencing thousands of fans \u2014 many of whom travelled from afar \u2014 who simply wanted to show pride in their country,\u201d the CIJA said in a statement. <\/p>\n
\u201cTennis Canada\u2019s decision was made to protect Canadians in the face of serious threats. It is unacceptable that hate, harassment, and intimidation have made it unsafe to support our athletes in our own country.\u201d <\/p>\n