Israeli chess players were forced to withdraw from the tournament in Spain

Seven Israeli chess players refused to participate in the Open Basque Country international tournament in the Spanish city of Sestao after public statements from the organizers who opposed the arrival of athletes and asked them to withdraw from the competition due to the conflict in the Gaza Strip. This was reported on September 12 by the Reuters news agency.

"One by one they left, and finally the last one decided not to come this morning," said Miguel Angel del Olmo, president of the Sestao Chess Club and one of the organizers of the event.

According to the rules of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), Israeli athletes had to register for the tournament. However, after registration, the organizers asked the Israeli chess players to withdraw from the competition.

Among other things, the flag of Palestine will be displayed among the flags of all participating countries as a sign of solidarity.

"Unlike Russian and Belarusian players, who have been forced to compete without national colors since 2022 due to sanctions, such restrictions do not apply to Israelis," the agency said.

According to Reuters, in addition to chess players, athletes who participated in the Vuelta a Espana cycling race in Bilbao were also harassed. Several stages of the competition were interrupted after pro-Palestinian protesters demanded the withdrawal of the Israel-Premier Tech team from the race.

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Earlier, on August 20, it was reported that the Italian Coaches Association (AIAC) sent a letter to the president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Gabriele Gravina, calling on the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and the International Football Federation (FIFA) to temporarily suspend Israel from international competitions.

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