Games Of State

WTAer Peer Denied Visa For Event In Dubai

Sports is supposed to be an escape from the political turmoil that engulfs the world on a daily basis, so when that balance is disturbed, it understandably causes a strong reaction among those affected. Such is the situation in the United Arab Emirates this week, as the country refuses to grant a visa to Sony Ericsson WTA Tour player Shahar Peer for the Dubai Tennis Championships due to her Israeli citizenship. Tennis Channel immediately pulls its planned coverage of the event, with Chair & CEO Ken Solomon calling it an “easy decision to come by.” WTA Tour boss Larry Scott adds the tournament’s spot on next year’s calendar is at risk if the UAE government refuses to alter its stance, and notes he almost cancelled this year’s event after hearing about Peer’s situation. Meanwhile, tennis fans could be in for more of the same soon, as ATP World Tour player and fellow Israeli Andy Ram is “also likely to be denied a visa” for next week’s men’s tournament in Dubai.

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