World Cup and newly crowned European champions France closed the gap but failed to overhaul Brazil at the top of the rankings.

BBC: England slide in rankings

The situation in Malmo was graphically demonstrated last March when Israel's tennis stars Amir Haddad and Andy Ram faced off against Swedish rivals at a Davis Cup tie in Malmo and Swedish authorities closed their game to the public.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Keeping Zionism's promise

Behind closed doors, however, concern must be growing given that it is a World Cup year.

BBC: Ireland v France