World Chess Championship in Malaysia Excludes Israeli Players Due to Entry Ban
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
The World Amateur Chess Championship, scheduled for November 4-13 in Malaysia, faces exclusion of Israeli players due to Malaysia's refusal to recognize Israeli passports and allow entry to its citizens. This contradicts FIDE's policy of open access for all eligible players. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed the country's long-standing policy of not recognizing Israel and barring its citizens. FIDE has previously faced similar issues, notably in Saudi Arabia in 2017, leading to calls for stricter hosting requirements.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Malaysia will host the World Amateur Chess Championship from November 4-13 but bars entry to Israeli citizens.
- The host nation does not recognize Israeli passports, creating a conflict with FIDE's invitation to all eligible players.
- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed the country's decades-old policy of not recognizing Israel.
- FIDE's 2019 policy states events can only be held in countries guaranteeing free access to all participants.
- Israeli players were denied entry visas at a 2017 championship in Saudi Arabia, prompting similar concerns.
The World Amateur Chess Championship, organized by FIDE, is scheduled to take place in Malaysia next month, but Israeli players eligible to participate face a significant hurdle: the host country does not recognize Israeli passports and prohibits entry for Israeli citizens. This policy directly contradicts FIDE's official invitation extended to all member federations and eligible players.
The championship is set to be held in Klang, Selangor, from November 4 to 13, featuring open tournaments for men and women across three rating categories: under 1,700, under 2,000, and under 2,300. FIDE regulations allow players to register through their national federations, with an unlimited number of participants permitted per federation. The registration deadline is October 9.
Malaysia's immigration policy, however, presents a clear obstacle. The Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs announced in July that travel documents issued by Israel are not recognized for entry into the country. This decision stems from Malaysia's lack of diplomatic relations with Israel, and entry procedures include strict security and immigration checks. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reiterated in July that Malaysia has no intention of changing its policy towards Israeli citizens, stating it has been in place for decades and that Malaysia does not recognize Israel or permit its citizens entry.
This situation creates a conflict with FIDE's own stated policy. In January 2019, the World Chess Federation declared that its events can only be held in countries guaranteeing free access to representatives from all federations. FIDE committed to not hosting tournaments in nations that deny entry to any eligible players, regardless of nationality or citizenship.
FIDE has encountered similar issues previously. In 2017, Israeli players attempting to participate in the World Rapid and Blitz Championship in Saudi Arabia were denied entry visas. The European Chess Union protested at the time, urging FIDE to award hosting rights only to countries that ensure equal conditions for all players.
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