Seven Israeli chess players withdrew from a Spanish tournament after organizers barred them from competing under their national flag, citing “solidarity with Palestinians.”
A new controversy has erupted in Spain’s sporting world as seven Israeli chess players withdrew from the prestigious Sestao Open after being told they could not play under Israel’s flag.
Tournament organizers from the Sestao Chess Club said the decision was a political statement tied to the Gaza war, claiming it was meant to “show solidarity with the Palestinian Arabs.”
Club president Miguel Angel Olmo told Reuters:
“One after another they kept pulling out, and finally the last one, this very morning, decided not to come. We acted in accordance with international regulations, but invited them not to take part, and we thank them for their decision.”
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) quickly distanced itself, condemning the move and stressing it had no role in the flag ban.
“FIDE had no prior knowledge of this decision, did not make any ruling on this, nor was it consulted. FIDE strongly condemns any form of discrimination, including on the basis of nationality and flag,” the federation said.
The Sestao Open has drawn over 250 players from 33 countries, but its attempt to balance sports and politics has backfired, igniting accusations of antisemitism and political discrimination in sport.
This latest incident adds to a growing list of Spanish sporting controversies targeting Israeli athletes. Just weeks ago, pro-Palestinian demonstrators disrupted stages of the Vuelta a España cycling race in Bilbao, demanding that the Israel-Premier Tech team be excluded.
The boycott highlights how Spain has become one of Europe’s fiercest critics of Israel, with politics increasingly spilling over into cultural and sporting arenas.
