Israel Tennis Association appeal Davis Cup switch

The Israel Tennis Association have appealed the International Tennis Federation’s decision to switch the venue of their play-off tie against Argentina.

The ITF ruled on Friday that the tie, which is scheduled for 12-14 September, can’t be played in Tel Aviv, saying: “due to concerns arising from the military conflict between Israel and Hamas, it is not advisable at this time for Israel to host Argentina.”

The ITA have requested the decision is overturned, with them due to find out on Tuesday if they’re successful. The ITA put forward the example of Kiev hosting a play-off tie between Ukraine and Belgium, despite the violence in the region, and has said they’re prepared to switch the tie from Tel Aviv to Haifa.  They also put forward a suggestion of holding the tie between 24-26 October, having previously had a November date rejected.

The ITA wrote: “We call on the ITF to examine its inconsistency regarding its decision in these two cases and request to look into the matter once more in order to bring the tie back to Israel, whether in Tel Aviv or Haifa and whether in September or October 2014.”