Madrid, July 18: The Davis Cup final will have to be held in major cities following amendments to the competition’s rules on Friday.
The International Tennis Federation made the change at its annual general meeting after Argentina last November used Islas Malvinas Stadium in Mar del Plata, which failed to meet capacity requirements.
Argentina preferred to play away from its regular arena – Buenos Aires’ outdoor clay Parque Roca Stadium – because of Spain’s mastery on the red surface. But Spain went on to beat Argentina 3-1 on indoor carpet.
Tennis’ governing body also reconfigured the Europe/Africa Zone into Europe Group II and Africa Group III.
Albania, Kenya and Zambia were bumped up from Class C membership to Class B, while Mongolia and Antigua and Barbuda were dropped.
Six new members were promoted to sit on the 12-man board of directors, which will increase to 13 from 2010.
—-Agencies