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3/4/09 8:18 AM | Johan Lindahl
Dubai officials, who managed to calm the waters at last week's ATP event won by Novak Djokovic after a political eruption the week before, will protest a $300,000 fine from the WTA over the visa exclusion of Israeli Shahar Peer.
The owner of Dubai Duty Free, which operates both events, is also concerned over an unprecedented requirement that the event lay down a $2 million bond to make sure that the visa problems are not repeated in 2010.
"We don't see it as quite fair," Dubai Duty Free boss Colm McLoughlin told Abu Dhabi's The National newspaper. "The rules state that the tournament should make every effort to get visas for the players, and we did make every effort."
He added, "We are going to appeal against that fine. In that letter (from the WTA) we also have notice that if all players are not allowed entry in future that they will withdraw the sanction of the tournament."
The ATP had waned behind the scenes prior to the men's event that changes had to be made, with the result that Israeli doubles player Andy Ram was allowed in on a "special permit" by the UAE government.
He lost in the first round and was soon on his way after heavy security surrounded him on the grounds. He even had his own change room and was allowed little contact outside of his security detail.
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Another excerpt from The National article: "Asked whether an aggressive response to the WTA censure may increase tension between the two parties and put the future of the two-week Dubai festival at risk, McLoughlin responded: ?In my opinion there is no danger that the tournament will be pulled" [from the calendar]." (http://www.thenational.ae/article/20.../96732310/1028)
Are the people running this tournament delusional? It's quite clear that the WTA is serious about not sanctioning this event without a firmer contractual agreement.
To say "We did make every effort to get the visa" is preposterous. The top line of the tournament's website says "Under the patronage of the Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai. One whiff of a hint from the Ruler of Dubai to the foreign office and that visa gets approved in a nano-second.
Does anyone know to which body this appeal will be made? Some world court, internal board at WTA, or contract-specified mediator?
bobbynorwich , 3/4/09 9:49 AM