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.

⚪️ JUST IN | Israeli players at an international chess tournament in Spain’s Basque Country were reportedly barred from competing under the Israeli flag. Organizers told them they must play under the neutral FIDE banner—which represents the chess federation, not any country—or… https://t.co/b6MsBpz9mr pic.twitter.com/5LOhKi0GSO

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The governing body said it has requested detailed information from the organizers and will take all necessary actions to ensure its principles are upheld.
The Times of Israel, citing “Hebrew media outlets,” reported that organizers had sent a letter to seven Israeli players informing them of the decision to ban the country’s flag “for reasons beyond our control”.
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.
The dispute comes amid heightened