The Halifax Regional Municipality is no longer forking over $50,000 to help fund the Davis Cup tie now that spectators are no longer allowed to watch the event.

Due to what they described as safety concerns, Tennis Canada made the decision, Tuesday, to ban fans from watching the matches between Canada and Israel.

In an email to our newsroom, spokesperson HRM spokesperson Ryan Nearing says it’s because “the event no longer delivers the tourism, economic and other benefits that would have been expected had it proceeded as originally planned.”

The city has faced recent criticism for providing the funds for the Davis Cup despite Israel’s current actions in Gaza.

Ticket holders are expected to receive a full refund.

Protests are planned for Friday and Saturday.