Chess Federation looking into reported ban on Israeli flag at Spanish tournament

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) says that it was not involved in and had not been consulted over a reported decision by a Spanish tournament to forbid Israeli players from competing under their national flag.

“FIDE had no prior knowledge of this decision, did not make any ruling on this, nor was it consulted by the organizers,” the federation says in a statement. “FIDE strongly condemns any form of discrimination, including on the basis of nationality and flag. The same rules apply to Israel and its players as to all other member federations that are not under any form of sanctions.”

The organizers of the Bilbao Sestao Basque Country tournament, which starts next week, were not immediately reachable for comment.

The governing body says it has requested detailed information from the organizers and will take all necessary actions to ensure its principles are upheld.

Hebrew media outlets reported today that the organizers of the competition next week have sent a letter to the seven Israelis set to participate, claiming the decision was made due to “reasons beyond our control” that they did not detail.

“This step was agreed upon by both the chief arbiter of the competition and the Spanish Chess Federation,” the letter reportedly says. “The FIDE flag will appear both on the official draw lists and on the players’ posters.”

Israeli players have on the FIDE to intervene, reports said.

Chess players from Russia and Belarus have been required to compete under the FIDE flag since 2022, following sanctions imposed after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. But Israeli players are not subject to such restrictions.

Zev Stub contributed to this report.