(March 23, 2016) The International Tennis Federation rejected appeals from Aljaz Bedene and Maxim Dubarenco to play Davis Cup.
Moldovan-born Dubarenco was appealing to play for Belarus, while the Slovenian-born Bedene was hoping to be able to compete for Great Britain.
The No. 57th player in the world Bedene became a British Citizen in 2015.
Great Britain’s Lawn Tennis Association was unhappy with the decision. This is their official statement:
Following Sunday’s ITF Board meeting in Moldova, Aljaz Bedene’s appeal against a decision to deny him eligibility to represent Great Britain in the Davis Cup, was unsuccessful.
Michael Downey LTA Chief Executive said: “We are very disappointed for Aljaz and with the outcome of the appeal hearing on Sunday. The LTA has fully supported him in his endeavour to represent the country he rightfully and proudly calls home. In terms of next steps, we will consider the options and continue to consult with Aljaz.”
Aljaz Bedene said: “Of course I am very sad with today’s result and that it has not gone the way I had hoped. I would like to thank all the fans, my team and the LTA for continuing to support me all the way. I will have to assess my situation now before I decide on what steps to take next.”
The ITF did approve the appeal of Russian -born Daria Gavrilova to play Fed Cup for Australia. She changed her nationality in 2015.
Here is the official release from the ITF:
Announcement by the ITF Board of Directors
The ITF Board of Directors met in Chisinau, Moldova on 20 and 21 March and heard three appeals about eligibility to compete in its international team competitions, Davis Cup by BNP Paribas and Fed Cup by BNP Paribas.
Appeal by the Lawn Tennis Association on behalf of Aljaz Bedene
The Board determined that the applicable version of the ITF Davis Cup Regulations for the appeal at hand were the 2015 version.
The Board considered all written and oral submissions made by the LTA, Aljaz Bedene, Tenis Slovenia and the original decision maker, the Davis Cup Committee, along with all evidence received before and during the hearing, all on a “de novo” basis.
In all the circumstances, the Board determined that an exception should not be made pursuant to Article 35(d) of the ITF Davis Cup Regulations.
Mr Bedene is not eligible to represent Great Britain in Davis Cup by BNP Paribas.
Appeal by the Belarus Tennis Federation on behalf of Maxim Dubarenco
The Board determined that the applicable version of the ITF Davis Cup Regulations for the appeal at hand were the 2015 version.
The Board considered all written and oral submissions made by the Belarus Tennis Federation, the Moldova Republic Tennis Federation and the original decision maker, the Davis Cup Committee.
In all the circumstances, the Board determined that an exception should not be made pursuant to Article 35(d) of the ITF Davis Cup Regulations.
Mr Dubarenco is not eligible to represent Belarus in Davis Cup by BNP Paribas.
Appeal by Tennis Australia on behalf of Daria Gavrilova
The Board determined that the applicable version of the ITF Fed Cup Regulations for the appeal at hand were the 2015 version.
The Board considered all written and oral submissions made by Tennis Australia, Daria Gavrilova, the Russian Tennis Federation and the original decision maker, the Fed Cup Committee.
In all the circumstances, the Board determined that an exception should be made pursuant to Article 31(b) of the ITF Fed Cup Regulations.
Miss Gavrilova is now eligible to represent Australia in Fed Cup by BNP Paribas.