Israeli chess players were ordered to remove their national flag at an international tournament in Spain, with organizers instructing them to compete under a neutral FIDE flag or face expulsion from the competition.
Controversy erupted at a major chess tournament in Spain after Israeli players were told they could not play under their national flag. Tournament officials reportedly informed the participants that the only alternative was to compete under the neutral flag of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), or risk being disqualified altogether.
The decision drew swift backlash from Israeli representatives, who called the measure discriminatory and politically motivated. The Israeli Chess Federation said in a statement that “forcing athletes to suppress their identity undermines the spirit of sport and inclusivity that international competitions are meant to represent.”
FIDE, which typically promotes neutrality in politically sensitive situations, confirmed that players may compete under its banner if their country’s participation faces political or diplomatic barriers. However, the organization has not formally commented on the specific demands made by Spanish organizers.
The incident comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions in Europe over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has sparked protests, boycotts, and growing divisions across the cultural and sporting sectors. While some Spanish officials defended the organizers’ decision as a matter of maintaining “security and neutrality,” critics argued that it unfairly punished athletes for circumstances beyond their control.
International sporting bodies have faced similar controversies in recent years, particularly around whether athletes from sanctioned or disputed states should be allowed to display their national symbols. Legal experts note that while host countries have leeway in setting participation rules, moves that appear to single out specific nations often lead to diplomatic disputes.
The affected Israeli players are continuing in the tournament under the FIDE flag, though their federation has said it may file a formal complaint with tournament organizers and appeal to the European Chess Union for intervention.
