The Wall Street Journal Europe has revoked its sponsorship of the Dubai Tennis Championships following the decision by the United Arab Emirates to deny visa to Israeli tennis player Shahar Peer.
The UAE government's decision prevented Peer from participating in the ongoing USD two million WTA event in Dubai.
Announcing the withdrawal of the sponsorship, the Wall Street Journal said its editorial philosophy is free markets and free people, and the UAE government's action runs counter to the WSJ's editorial direction.
The oraganisers had said that they feared for security of the Israeli player and boycott of the tournament by the home tennis fans.
The denial of visa to Peer was apparently due to Gaza conflict. Andy Ram, another Israeli player is due to participate in the men's event, starting next week, at the same venue.
It is now known if he will be meted out the same treatment by the UAE government. The Women's Tennis Association is upset by the UAE decision and was forced to consider the future of the 17-year old tournament.
