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The International Tennis Federation on Friday decided not to suspend Australia from Davis Cup competition for forfeiting their Asia/Oceania Group I tie against India and let them off with a mild punishment -- a fine of US $10,000.
The ITF also decided not to relegate Australia from the Asia/Oceania Group I zone, though they have withdrawn the choice of ground from Australia for their next tie.
"The ITF's Davis Cup Committee in a meeting held by conference call today decided that Australia would not be suspended from the 2010 competition or relegated from Asia/Oceania Zone Group I.
"Australia will lose choice of ground for their next home tie regardless of the opponent and will pay a fine of US $10,000. Australia will also be liable for costs to both the ITF and to the All India Tennis Association to be determined at a later date," ITF said in a statement.
The decision is going to infuriate the All India Tennis Association as they had made it clear that they wanted a severe punishment for Australia.
The Australians had refused to travel to India on security grounds early this month, paving the way for India's entry into World group play-off.
The Davis Cup Committee is chaired by ITF executive vice-president Juan Margets.