U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) played a major role in applying diplomatic pressure to U.A.E. authorities throughout the Peer visa controversy and was influential in helping Israeli doubles player, Andy Ram, secure a place in the upcoming men’s Barclay’s Dubai Tennis Championships in Dubai. He had an insider’s view into the process, which he described as a “low-level bureaucratic decision” that could have been avoided if the WTA had handled it better. Not sure if this is just diplomatic spin at the WTA’s expense or the truth, but it’s interesting, nonetheless:
Here’s the money quote, or click here for the full article from Jewish Telegraphic Agency (recommended):
The media in tennis-obsessed Europe have depicted the controversy as stemming from the fallout of Israel’s recent Gaza Strip war. (U.S. Rep. Anthony) Weiner said it was not so fraught: Israelis on their way to the UAE usually give the authorities a heads up, through whatever organization they will be representing. In Pe’er’s case, Weiner said, the WTA, the governing body of women’s tennis, was unaware of the custom until it was too late.
“In some of these things there’s more than meets the eye, in this case less than meets the eye,” the New York congressman continued. “This was a low-level bureaucratic decision that took on international significance and it became hard for them to extricate themselves from it.”
While it may be cold comfort for Peer, who has yet to hear how the WTA will recompense her for rankings points and prize money lost, it’s good news to hear Andy Ram will be able to play. Now let’s just hope for a peaceful and well-played tournament for players and fans.
Photo: REUTERS
Tags: andy ram, Dubai Tennis Championships, shahar peer
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I read this earlier and sloughed it off. I don’t think this is as much a slight to the WTA as it is Anthony Weiner taking credit and plumping his chest feathers. Bear in mind that Larry Scott is Jewish and has done plenty of work with Dubai in the past. Add to this that Shahar’s mgmt co aren’t exactly novices.
Hi Lynn and TopSpin,
First of all – Lynn I don’t know if you’ve commented here before but I want to say that I really like your blog. I remember it from long ago and I’m glad you reminded me to check it out again. Gotta make sure I’ve got you linked. . .
Yeah, Weiner’s comments are suspect. Shahar’s people obviously would know the score and Larry Scott had to be up to date on the U.A.E.’s immigration policies. To take a slightly less cynical view on the Congressman’s comments, perhaps he’s suggesting that the WTA should have been more proactive in the negotiating process sooner rather than later? Obviously speculating here, but the “low-level bureaucracy” comment may indicate that the WTA/Peer filed the requisite paperwork and assumed everything would go as planned without going that extra mile. Perhaps there was kid glove treatment required? Weiner’s comments are classic “read between the lines” stuff – just not sure what I’m supposed to be reading. . .
I too find this a little hard to believe – Peer did after all play in the region last year; it’s not as if the WTA and Peer’s team would be unaware of the ‘customs’ and formalities involved…