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Israeli tennis star barred from UAE
16 Feb 2009The top official of women's tennis has reprimanded the United Arab Emirates for blocking an Israeli from playing in a tournament in Dubai.
WTA Tour chief Larry Scott said the decision to deny Shahar Peer a visa was "regrettable".
The tour is now planning to review its future in the country, which does not have diplomatic relations with Israel.
Reader views (7)
Kevin
I think you will find that Israel does not operate a policy of blanket discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. So if a Libyan or Syrian tennis player applied to play in Israel, provided they did not pose a security threat, then there's no reason why Israel would refuse them entry. However on return to Libya or Syria, the tennis player would be arrested and charged with having relations or contact with an enemy state.
- Marc, Harrow, UK, 16/02/2009 14:09
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I seem to remember that South africa was banned from international sport due to its Apartheid policy, and no one complained...
- Jon Kent, Hertford. UK, 16/02/2009 13:55
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I see that all the top players have condemned this outrageous racist ban. I am sure that the WTA will see sense and ensure that this is the last of its tournaments to be played in Dubai. Peer regularly plays doubles in tournaments with a Muslim because she does not have any issue with race, religion or nationality. It is a pity that Dubai has displayed such racism.
- Simon G, London, UK, 16/02/2009 13:50
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One would have thought that it would be written into the terms and conditions that hosting countries must accept eligible athletes from any country/race/religion. The WTC should fire their stupid lawyers, and ban UAE citizens from future tournaments in response.
- Zaphod, zanzibar, 16/02/2009 13:44
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Would Israel admit a Syrian or Libyian Tennis player? Would they even apply for a visa, or, would they realise what a complete waste of time it would be
- Kevin Sullivan, Roehampton, London., 16/02/2009 13:34
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So is the UAE an apartheid & racist state?
>>WTA Tour chief Larry Scott said the decision to deny Shahar Peer a visa was "regrettable"
It's not regrettable, its criminally racist!
- Marc, Harrow, UK, 16/02/2009 12:39
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racism of the highest order by our allies, those moderate folks in Dubai.
- Interested Observer, larchmont, ny USA, 16/02/2009 12:36
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