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UAE Denies Israeli Tennis Player Visa

Peer would have been first Israeli to compete in country

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 15, 2009 1:05 PM CST

(Newser) – The United Arab Emirates denied an Israeli tennis player a visa to compete in a tour in Dubai, preventing her from becoming the first Israeli athlete to play professionally in the country, CNN reports. Dubai could lose its World Tennis Association membership over the incident, which violates WTA policy guaranteeing qualifying players a spot in competitions. Loss of membership would mean pro players could only compete in exhibition matches there.

“We are deeply disappointed by the decision of the United Arab Emirates denying Shahar Peer a visa,” said the tour’s head. “The Tour is reviewing appropriate remedies for Ms. Peer, and also will review appropriate future actions with regard to the future of the Dubai tournament.”

Shahar Peer is the 48th-ranked female tennis player in the world.
Shahar Peer is the 48th-ranked female tennis player in the world.   (AP Photo/Andrew Brownbill)
Israel's Shahar Peer reacts as she plays Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki during the Australian Open.
Israel's Shahar Peer reacts as she plays Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki during the Australian Open.   (AP Photo/Andrew Brownbill)
Israel's Shahar Peer plays in the Australian Open.
Israel's Shahar Peer plays in the Australian Open.   (AP Photo/Andrew Brownbill)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
Stuart
Feb 15, 2009 11:09 PM CST
Choosing to skip an event is one's own business. Keeping someone out is totally different. I assume you are intelligent to know the difference?
Nwambe
Feb 15, 2009 4:49 AM CST
Hey, remember when the US boycotted the 1980 Summer Olympics because of the USSR? Oh yeah, that's right... When it's you guys doing it, it's not HYPOCRISY. Anyone else, and it's ignorant, racist bullcrap.
Stuart
Feb 15, 2009 4:18 AM CST
Someone explain to me why the WTA hasn't yanked UAE's right to host tournaments? Oh yeah, its only Jews. Its only Israels. More typical hypocricy.

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