Dubai: The tournament organisers of the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships have clarified their stand surrounding the denial of a visa for Israeli player Shahar Peer to participate in the annual event.
"We do not wish to politicise sports, but we have to be sensitive to recent events in the region and not alienate or put at risk the players and the many tennis fans of different nationalities that we have here in the UAE," Tournament Director Salah Tahlak told media at a specially-convened press conference.
Tahlak said that several elements were to be considered concerning her participation here. "Public sentiment remains high in the Middle East and it is believed that Ms. Peer's presence would have antagonised our fans who have watched live television coverage of recent attacks in Gaza," Tahlak's statement read.
"Ms. Peer personally witnessed protests against her at another tournament in New Zealand only a few weeks ago and concern was raised about her wellbeing and her presence triggering similar protests. Given public sentiment, the entire tournament could have been boycotted by protesters," the statement added.
Tahlak further reiterated that the tournament is a longstanding and loyal supporter of women's tennis and the WTA Tour and that they respect the rules and regulations of the Tour. "The Tournament also respects Ms. Shahar Peer as a professional player on the Tour and understands her disappointment," he said.
