In reversal, Spanish chess tourney says Israelis can compete under their flag — report

After informing Israeli players that they would not be able to compete under their national flag, a Spanish chess tournament has reversed course and will now allow the Israeli flag to be raised, Channel 12 reports.

Hebrew media outlets had reported that the organizers of the Open Sestao Basque Country competition next week sent a letter to the seven Israelis set to participate, saying that they would be allowed to compete only under the flag of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), and that the decision was made due to “reasons beyond our control,” which 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 said. “The FIDE flag will appear both on the official draw lists and on the players’ posters.”

Following that report, FIDE said that it was not involved in and had not been consulted about the decision, and that it “strongly condemns any form of discrimination, including on the basis of nationality and flag.”

The organization added, “The same rules apply to Israel and its players as to all other member federations that are not under any form of sanctions.”

Now, Channel 12 reporter Elad Simchayoff reports that the ban on the Israeli flag has been canceled. He posts a copy of an email, appearing to be from the director of the tournament, saying the decision was reversed.

The decision is reversed! The Israeli players will be allowed to play under the Israeli flag ???????? pic.twitter.com/3ulJjS2hEM

— Elad Simchayoff (@Elad_Si) September 5, 2025

“In the last few hours, we have consulted with institutions and companies that support us in the Open,” reads the email from Miguel Angel Del Olmo Alonso. “The decision has been made to reinstate your country’s flag on both Info64 and Chess Results. The Israeli flag is going to be raised. The players will be notified.”

But the email also references recent disruptions of the Vuelta a España, a major Spanish cycling race, by pro-Palestinian protesters, which prompted calls for an Israeli team to drop out. The email says that the chess tournament will not provide extra security to the Israeli players.

“But we must also highlight what happened at the Vuelta a España cycling tour in Bilbao. A very adverse atmosphere,” the email says. “Our club cannot guarantee safety measures that differ from those of the other players.”

Reuters contributed to this report.