Sunday, February 15, 2009

Visa denial for Peer

The United Arab Emrates have denied Shahar Peer a Visa, that would allow the Isreali to enter the country in order to play the Premier event in Dubai. Shaha'r brother, Shalomi Peer, said his sister applied for a Visa months in advance and was assured by tournament's organizer's to get one.

There've is some tension between Israel and the Arab countries since an assault, during which about 1300 Palestinians and 13 Israeli's were killed.

Larry Scott, WTA Chairman and Chief executive, was quick to release a statement.

"We are deeply disappointed by the decision of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) denying Shahar Peer a Visa that would permit her to enter the country to play in the Dubai Tennis Championships. Ms. Peer has earned the right to play in the tournament and it is regrettable that the UAE is denying her this right.

Following various consultations, the Tour has decided to allow the tournament to continue to be played this week, pending further review by the Tour's Board of Directors. Ms. Peer and her family are obviously extremely upset and are disappointed by the decision of the UAE and its impact on her personally and professionally, and the Tour is reviewing appropriate remedies for Ms. Peer and also will review appropriate future actions with regard to the future of the Dubai tournament. The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour believes very strongly, and has a clear rule and policy, that no host country should deny a player the right to compete at a tournament for which she has qualified by ranking."

This means it could be the last time, where the Premier Event takes its place in Dubai. The Emirates officials have still not responded to whole scandalous situation.

Shahar Peer was the first Israeli to play in an event held in Persian Gulf, as she participated in the Qatar Open in Doha last year.

This year Peer already made headlines, when during the tournament in Auckland there was a protest to boycott Israel and the protest organizer asked Shahar to withdraw from the tournament. More on that HERE.

~jachal

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