Arazi pay row confirmed

Hicham Arazi will miss Morocco's Davis Cup World Group playoff against Australia this week following a disagreement with officials over money it has been confirmed, a decision that was reported by Eurosport on Sunday. The country's tennis federation decli

Eurosport

Image credit: TNT Sports

Arazi's decision follows that of Younes El Aynaoui due to an ankle injury, for the grass-court tie in Perth, beginning on Friday.

"For Arazi, it's not about health but rather about pennies," wrote Aujourd'hui Le Maroc daily.

Arazi sought advance payment of 70 percent of a bonus awarded by the International Tennis Federation but local officials refused, the newspaper said.

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As a result, Morocco will line up an inexperienced team led by little-known Mounir El Arej and including Mehdi Tahiri , Mehdi Ziadi and Talal Ouhabi, it added.

U.S. Open finalist Lleyton Hewitt will lead holders Australia and the team includes Todd Woodbridge and two players who are struggling to overcome injuries in Todd Reid and Wayne Arthurs.

The winner of the tie will remain in the elite World Group for 2005. The loser will be relegated to the second tier of the men's team competition.

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