Stockholm - The upcoming Davis Cup tie between Sweden and Israel will not be moved from the southern city Malmo to Stockholm, despite last ditch efforts.

Madeleine Sjostedt, Stockholm city commissioner for leisure, recreation and sport activities, said Tuesday she regretted that the match could not be moved saying "we can't give in to those who threaten with violence."

The Swedish Tennis Federation thanked the city of Stockholm for the offer.

Malmo city council's board for leisure, recreation and sport activities voted last Wednesday that the March 6-8 tie would be played without any paying spectators, citing security concerns.

Hearing that decision, Stockholm over the weekend offered to take over the event but too many outstanding issues prevented the transfer, Sjostedt told Swedish broadcaster SVT.

"It is an extremely important principle that sports should be allowed to carry out their activities," Sjostedt said, adding she was a staunch supporter of the right to freedom of assembly.

Olof Holmgren, member of a group that wants to stop the tie from being played at all, said efforts to cancel the match would continue.

The Davis Cup match has been classified as a high-risk event over potential protests by groups wanting to protest against the recent Israeli offensive against Hamas in Gaza.

The Baltic Hall venue in Malmo has a capacity to seat some 4,000 people. The cancelled ticket sales mean that Malmo city will have to face extra costs of some 3 million kronor (365,000 dollars). (dpa)