DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Organizers of a women's tennis tournament said today that security fears were behind the decision to bar an Israeli player — a move that could force another showdown when the men's play begins next week.

The snub brought swift denunciations from the Women's Tennis Association and warnings that it could consider scratching Dubai from its calendar. The Tennis Channel canceled plans to televise the championships in protest.

Today's statement by the Dubai Tennis Championships — citing fan anger at Israeli's recent incursions into the Gaza Strip — was the first detailed explanation of the last-minute visa denial for Shahar Peer, who qualified as the 48th-ranked player in the world. Monday's WTA rankings listed her 45th.

But the United Arab Emirates, which is trying to become a showcase for world-class sports, come under increasing pressure with the men's field as Israeli doubles specialist Andy Ram hopes to be in the draw on Sunday.

Ram's lawyer, Amit Naor, told The Associated Press that the player is currently in Marseilles, France, and awaiting word if he will be allowed into Dubai. Ram is ranked No. 7 in the world in doubles.

"Andy wants to play, he's not interested in all the other stuff," he said.

"He's not looking for trouble, he's looking to play ... we thought politics was already out of sports," Amit added.

Ben Nichols, a marketing official for the men's and women's tennis tournaments in Dubai, said organizers were not aware of Ram's visa status.

The Association of Tennis Professionals, which runs the men's tour, issued a statement saying it was awaiting "an official decision" on Ram's visa.

"Clearly this is an opportunity for the UAE to make the right decision," the ATP said. Ram seeks to play in Dubai with doubles partner Kevin Ullyet of Zimbabwe.

The UAE — which does not have diplomatic relations with Israel — could face setbacks in hosting other major sports events if the WTA and other federations grow skittish over the prospect of Israeli athletes being blocked.

The $2 million Dubai Tennis Championships includes all the top 10 women's players.

A statement from the tournament organizer, Dubai Duty Free, said Peer's "presence would have antagonized our fans" because of the attacks in Gaza, which left about 1,300 Palestinians dead, at least half of them civilians, according to Gaza health officials.

Thirteen Israelis were killed, including three civilians before a tentative cease-fire halted fighting on Jan. 18.

The tournament statement said there was concern about protests, boycotts and threats to Peer's "well being."

Peer was scheduled to play Monday, but was told her visa was denied late Saturday as she prepared to travel from Malaysia to the UAE.

"We do not wish to politicize sports, but we have to be sensitive to recent events in the region and not alienate or put at risk the players and the many tennis fans of different nationalities that we have here in the UAE," said the statement, read to reporters by tournament director Salah Tahlak.

Associated Press Writer Aron Heller in Jerusalem, sports writer John Leicester in Paris and sports columnist Jim Litke contributed to this report.