Chess Federation looking into alleged ban on Israeli flag at Spanish tournament
MADRID: The International Chess Federation (FIDE) said on Friday it was not involved in and had not been consulted over an alleged 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 said 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.
