HALIFAX - The Davis Cup World Group I tie between Canada and Israel will take place this weekend in a closed venue in Halifax due to safety concerns. Tennis Canada announced the decision on Tuesday, stating it was made in consultation with the International Tennis Federation. The organization cited "escalating safety concerns" raised by local authorities and national security agencies.

The match is scheduled for Friday and Saturday at the Scotiabank Centre. It will determine which team advances to the 2026 Davis Cup Qualifiers. Team Canada will be led by captain Frank Dancevic.

The decision to hold the event without fans comes after more than 400 Canadian athletes and academics, including Olympic runner Moh Ahmed, called for the tie's cancellation. They expressed concerns over Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank. Tennis Canada CEO Gavin Ziv described the outcome as "very disappointing" but emphasized the priority of safety for athletes, fans, and staff.

"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. He added that playing behind closed doors was deemed necessary to safeguard everyone involved and to preserve the event.

Ticket holders for the match will receive full refunds within 30 days. The event will be broadcast on TVA Sports and CBC's streaming services. Tennis Canada acknowledged the complex situation in the Middle East but stated its commitment to promoting the sport and providing opportunities for players and fans in a safe environment.

This announcement follows a request from the Montreal-based human rights group Palestinian and Jewish Unity, which urged the mayor to prevent the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team from competing in the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal.