WTA chief denies money a factor in Dubai row

WTA chief Larry Scott said money was not a factor in allowing this week's Dubai Championships women's tournament, which is at the centre of a political storm, to go ahead as planned.

Top Israeli player Shahar Peer had been due to compete but she was denied a visa into the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and had to forfeit her place.

Although the UAE's stand has angered the tennis community, the WTA allowed the lucrative $2 million event to be staged.

Observers felt the WTA's decision was driven by the knowledge many Middle Eastern countries invest heavily in the sport but Scott said the governing body of women's tennis gave it the green light for logistical reasons.

"That (money) does not factor into it. This is an issue related to principles, related to fairness to our athletes and being sensitive to what the affected player wants," Scott told Reuters.

"Practically speak, our athletes were already there ready to play and we did not really have much time to react to the situation. Just because Shahar was penalised she did not want to see all her fellow players penalised.

"That's what went into the decision to let this tournament carry on this year."

While the UAE has been condemned by tennis players and officials for their stance against Peer, pressure was mounting for tennis authorities to take action.

The furore is unlikely to die down anytime soon as the men's Dubai tournament, which begins next Monday, has Israel's Andy Ram in the doubles draw. The ATP, which governs men's tennis, said it would review the event's status once Ram is notified about his visa application.

"I had hoped in this day and age that sporting principles would be recognised as separate from politics and this is a big step back," said Scott."

The refusal to issue a visa to Peer violates WTA Tour rules, which state that any player should be able to compete where she wishes if she has the required ranking.

Like most Arab nations, the UAE has no diplomatic ties with the Jewish state and Israeli citizens are usually denied entry.

Tournament officials defended their stance, saying local fans would have boycotted the event if an Israeli was allowed to compete and that Peer's safety could also have been compromised.

Scott said nothing justified their action and said he would not hesitate to scratch the tournament from the 2010 calendar if the situation could not be resolved.