No fans allowed: Canada versus Israel Davis Cup tie in Halifax will be played without spectators

The two-day Davis Cup tie between Canada and Israel on Friday and Saturday will be played without spectators at Scotiabank Centre in Halifax. Photo by Tim Krochak /TIM KROCHAKArticle contentThe upcoming Davis Cup tennis event in Halifax will be played without spectators.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentTennis Canada announced Tuesday that the two-day Davis Cup tie between Canada and Israel at Scotiabank Centre would be closed to fans “due to safety concerns.”Article contentArticle content“Intelligence received from local authorities and national security agencies, combined with disruptions witnessed at other recent events both in Canada and internationally, indicated a risk of significant disruption to this event,” said a Tennis Canada news release.Article contentArticle contentThe Davis Cup tie matches are scheduled for Friday and Saturday.Article contentGavin Ziv, Tennis Canada chief executive officer, said the “decision was not taken lightly and was made in consultation with the International Tennis Federation (ITF).”Article content“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 in the release. “We were forced to conclude that playing behind closed doors was the only way to both safeguard those involved and preserve the event itself.Article content“While this outcome is very disappointing, it allows the tie to proceed in Halifax and ensures that our athletes can continue to compete at the highest international level. We are looking forward to returning to Halifax with Team Canada in the coming years to ensure we can fulfill our mission of promoting tennis and creating opportunities for fans and players to engage with the sport in Nova Scotia and across the country.”Article contentArticle contentLater Tuesday afternoon, Halifax Regional Municipality rescinded funding earmarked for the tennis event.Article contentLast month, Halifax regional council approved $50,000 from the marketing levy fund to “support the sustainable development of the tourism industry.”Article contentBut without spectators, “the event no longer delivers the tourism, economic and other benefits that would have been expected had it proceeded as originally planned,” HRM spokesperson Ryan Nearing said in an email.Article contentAvi Peretz, president of the Israel Tennis Association, said in an interview with CLAY, a global tennis media platform, that he was confident Canadian authorities will guarantee the safety of his delegation during the Davis Cup tie.Article content“The Canadians want to help us and welcome us as sports people, not as enemies,” Peretz said in the interview Saturday. “I’ve heard rumours about what the atmosphere might be like, but we only focus on sport. I trust Canadian authorities will keep this event safe. We are not afraid.”