SOUTH Africa cannot afford to host the Davis Cup World Group play-off tie against Canada later this year.

Because of financial constraints, the International Tennis Federation's Davis Cup committee has approved Tennis South Africa's request that the tie be moved to Canada. The match takes place from September 14 to 16.

"The decision of the TSA board was taken from a realistic business perspective in light of the current economic conditions and after having hosted eight out of the past 11 Davis Cup ties in South Africa," said TSA chief executive Ian Smith.

TSA had asked the government for help with hosting the tie, but was turned down.

Smith said: "I have spoken to national government, but at this time they are not in a position to assist us with this tie. I must emphasise that they are consistently very supportive of tennis in our country."

The SA players are said to have accepted the decision, which could assist the team in attracting SA's top players as they will be in New York for the US Open that finishes a week before the tie.

"(Team captain John-Laffnie de Jager) and the players fully understand our decision and are supportive of our action," said Smith.

South Africa beat Slovenia to qualify for the play-off and a shot at promotion to the World Group should they beat Canada.