Morocco to play Davis Cup match against Chile in Morocco

The International Tennis Federation's Davis Cup Committee has ruled that Chile will play a Davis Cup playoff match against Morocco in Casablanca.

Chile was upheld Thursday as the winner of last weekend's violence-marred Davis Cup zonal match against Argentina, but was barred from playing home matches for three years.

The Davis Cup Committee ruled that the Argentine team "failed in their obligation" to abide by the match referee's decision to proceed with play.

The panel felt the decision to continue was "acceptable under the circumstances" and within the referee's authority.

But the ITF also ruled that the Chilean association "failed in its obligation" to ensure proper organization of the match.

Trouble flared in Santiago last Friday with Chile leading 1-0 and Argentina's Mariano Zabaleta ahead of Nicolas Massu, two sets to one. Angered by line calls against their player, Chilean spectators tossed fruit, coins, bottles and plastic chairs onto the court, forcing the match to be halted.

Chile will be barred from playing at home through 2002 competition.

On Wednesday, Chile was drawn to play at home against Morocco in the World Group qualifying round in July. That match will now be switched to Morocco.

In addition, the Chilean association faces a maximum fine of $141,800 and Argentina faces a fine of up to $77,100.

Both countries filed appeals, which will be heard this weekend by the ITF board of directors at its meeting in Monaco.