The Sidelines : Move Match, Israel Asks France

Israel has asked that its Davis Cup match with France be moved from Marseilles because the city’s large Arab population could pose a threat to its players.

“We think that due to the present situation and the fact that there is a large Muslim community in Marseilles, it will be safer and better for the (match) to be held in another place in France,” David Harnik, president of the Israeli Tennis Federation, said today.

He acknowledged that the host country can determine the site but said the French would have to bear responsibility for security at the March 29-31 competition. Harnik said the Israeli team would play wherever French tennis officials decided.