Organisers of a chess tournament in Spain’s Basque region sparked international controversy after banning Israeli players from competing under their national flag, insisting instead that they play under the neutral flag of FIDE, the World Chess Federation. The ban threatened disqualification and expulsion for any player refusing to comply, reports The Jerusalem Post.
Among the Israeli competitors is Erez Kupervaser, whose sister Shani was murdered by Hamas terrorists at the Nova music festival on October 7. Speaking after learning of the organisers’ decision, he said: “I think about how my sister was murdered just for being Israeli. And how the world treats us now, after so much suffering… It was harsh, a painful feeling.”
Kupervaser expressed anger and sadness at the attempt to erase his national identity in the name of politics: “It’s frustrating. I’ve played in many tournaments abroad and was never discriminated against. Here, in this particular place in Spain, they made the wrong decision. I’m glad it was resolved.”
Following protests from the Israeli Chess Federation, including its CEO Gil Boruchovsky and chairman Zvika Barkai, FIDE issued a firm public statement, clarifying that it had no prior knowledge of the organisers’ decision and had not authorised such a move. “FIDE strongly condemns any form of discrimination, including on the basis of nationality and flag,” the federation stated. “The same rules apply to Israel and its players as to all other member federations that are not under any form of sanctions.”
FIDE confirmed it had requested detailed information from the organisers and vowed to take all necessary action to uphold its rules and principles.
The decision was reversed, and Israeli players will now be allowed to compete with their national flag displayed, as is the standard in all international tournaments.
Zvika Barkai welcomed the reversal and praised FIDE’s position, noting: “We appreciate its firm stance against any attempt to discriminate against Israeli chess players.”
He also invited international players, including those from Spain, to attend the upcoming international championship in Jerusalem this November.
The Israeli Chess Federation reiterated its view that chess must remain above political agendas, calling for a spirit of fairness, sporting integrity, and unity in the global chess community.
Photo credit: REUTERS/Raghed Waked
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