Diallo

The Davis Cup World Group I tie between Canada and Israel will be played in a closed venue this weekend in Halifax due to safety concerns, Tennis Canada announced Tuesday.

The organization said in a release that the decision was made in consultation with the International Tennis Federation due to “escalating safety concerns” flagged by local authorities and national security agencies.

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’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank.

Tennis Canada chief executive officer Gavin Ziv called the outcome “very disappointing” but said the safety of athletes, fans and staff takes top priority.

“At the heart of this difficult decision is our responsibility to protect people while ensuring that this Davis Cup tie can still take place,” Ziv said. “We were forced to conclude that playing behind closed doors was the only way to both safeguard those involved and preserve the event itself.”

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.

The winner will advance to the 2026 Davis Cup Qualifiers.

Tennis Canada’s announcement comes a day after Montreal-based human rights group Palestinian and Jewish Unity asked Mayor Valérie Plante to bar the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team from competing in Sunday’s Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal.