Safety concerns cancel fan entry at Canada-Israel tie

The Davis Cup World Group tie between Canada and Israel will go ahead in Halifax this weekend, but behind closed doors, after security agencies raised concerns about potential risks around the event.

Tennis Canada confirmed Tuesday that no fans or media will be allowed inside the Scotiabank Centre, where matches were scheduled for Friday and Saturday. The decision was taken in consultation with the International Tennis Federation following advice from local authorities and national security agencies.

The move follows calls from more than 400 Canadian athletes and academics, including Olympian Moh Ahmed, who urged Tennis Canada to cancel the tie in protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank.

Tennis Canada CEO Gavin Ziv admitted the outcome was “very disappointing” but said safety had to come first. “At the heart of this decision is our responsibility to protect people while ensuring the tie can still take place,” he said.

Fans who purchased tickets about 1,500 per day will receive refunds within 30 days. The organization also acknowledged a significant financial loss but stressed that “safety of people remains the priority.”

Halifax police will be present at the venue but did not confirm whether specific threats were made against the Israeli team.

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs called the closure a blow to fans, blaming “extremists” for forcing the tie to proceed without spectators.