Israeli Chess Players Withdraw from Spanish Tournament over Flag Dispute

Seven Israeli chess players withdrew from the 40th Basque Country Open in Sestao, Spain, after organizers requested they compete without displaying their national flag in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Gaza conflict. The Sestao Chess Club, which runs the tournament, cited Israel's actions in Gaza as motivation for their stance and initially sought for Israelis to play under the World Chess Federation's (FIDE) flag, a request FIDE rejected, emphasizing its opposition to discrimination based on nationality or flag. The club ultimately decided to remove all national flags from the competition tables, flying only the flags of Spain's autonomous communities and the Palestinian flag as a symbolic gesture. FIDE stated it had not been consulted on the organizers' decision and reiterated its condemnation of discrimination. Local associations in Sestao planned rallies supporting Palestinians, reflecting broader political tensions affecting sports events in Spain. The incident highlights the intersection of international politics and sports, with the Basque region's historical solidarity with Palestinians playing a significant role in the tournament's controversy.