PRESS RELEASE 7 August 2014 Decision of the Davis Cup Committee regarding venue for Israel v Argentina The ITF's Davis Cup Committee has unanimously agreed that, due to concerns arising from the military conflict between Israel and Hamas, it is not advisable at this time for Israel to host Argentina in their Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group play-off tie, scheduled for 12-14 September at the Nokia Arena in Tel Aviv. The Committee considered several factors in making their decision including a report from the ITF’s independent risk assessment firm, Control Risks, and decisions by other sports about competing in Israel. The Committee determined that, while the military conflict seemed to be slowing down, there was no certainty that this would be the case at the time of the tie that is due to take place in five weeks. The Committee felt that its first priority was to ensure the safety of the players, officials and the public and regretfully decided that the tie would not be held in Israel as originally scheduled. Israel now has the option to nominate a neutral venue. As per Davis Cup Regulations 27 e (i), (ii) (a), (ii) (b) (Page 13 of the 2014 Regulations): If Israel chooses to play in a neutral venue, the Israeli Tennis Association has five working days to file a full completed application to the Davis Cup Committee for approval. Israel will be considered the home nation for the purposes of the conduct and financial arrangements of this tie and shall have the right to choice of ball and the surface of the court. If Israel does not choose to play in a neutral venue, the Davis Cup Committee has the right to decide that the tie be held on a neutral ground or in Argentina. If the Committee’s decision is to play on a neutral ground, both nations shall be considered visiting nations for the purposes of the conduct and financial arrangements for this tie. However, Israel would lose its turn in the choice of ground rotation. If the Committee decides to play in Argentina, then the Argentine Tennis Association would be responsible for the conduct and financial arrangements of the tie, including the choice of surface and ball. Israel would then have choice of ground for the next two meetings with Argentina. Decision of the Davis Cup Committee regarding venue for Ukraine v Belgium The ITF's Davis Cup Committee has confirmed Kiev as the venue for the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group play-off tie between Ukraine and Belgium on 12-14 September. Because of the recent political unrest in eastern Ukraine, the Davis Cup Committee was required to consider the possibility of a change of venue for this tie. The Committee considered several factors in making its decision including a report from the ITF’s independent risk assessment firm, Control Risks, and decisions by other sports about competing in the capital, Kiev. Before making a final decision, the Committee also reviewed the security plan presented by the Ukraine Tennis Federation. The Committee determined that, given the current information available, Ukraine would be allowed to host the tie at the Palace of Sports as scheduled. The Committee will continue to monitor the situation in Ukraine. Quote from Davis Cup Committee Chairman Juan Margets “These were difficult decisions for the Davis Cup Committee,” said Chairman Juan Margets. “Both countries were eager to host and have a record of staging quality ties. After long deliberation, the Committee was convinced that Kiev would provide a safe environment for the tie with Belgium and agreed for it to go ahead as scheduled. The decision on Israel versus Argentina was more problematic for the Committee because the situation in Israel is very fluid at the moment and yet security in Israel is of an exceptionally high standard. Ultimately the outcome rested on the lack of certainty of the situation at the date of the tie, on the decision of other sports not to compete in Israel at this time and on the ITF’s duty to ensure the safety of players, officials and spectators.” NOTE TO EDITORS: The ITF's Davis Cup Committee is chaired by Juan Margets of Spain with members Katrina Adams of the United States, Armando Cervone of Argentina, Patrice Hagelauer of France, Stephen Healy of Australia, Charles Trippe of Great Britain and Slobodan Zivojinovic of Serbia. Mr. Cervone recused himself from the discussion and vote on the matter of Israel versus Argentina. - ENDS - For further press enquiries: ITF Communications Tel: +44 (0)20 8392 4632 Email: [email protected] .