Saudis Ban Israeli Chess Players

[Gromit]

// Israeli players have been denied visas to participate in a speed chess championship hosted by Saudi Arabia this week, a vice-president of the World Chess Federation (Fide) has said.

Seven Israeli players had requested visas for the tournament, taking place from 26-30 December. It would have been the first time Saudi Arabia had publicly hosted Israelis, as the Gulf state does not recognise Israel and there are no formal ties between them. //


Should the World Chess Federation be more supportive of the Isreali players?
And should the other competitors boycott what is now a devalued and worthless tournament?

[-Talbot-]

yes
yes

[Gromit]

https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-chess-body-may-sue-after-players-barred-from-saudi-tourney/

[Jackdaw33]

Somebody should keep them in check.

[ToraToraTora]

It's unclear, are you saying FIDE is in some way responsible for Arabia's visa denial? I assume that FIDE has not themselves banned the Israelis?? But yes and yes.

[Gromit]

Reuters:

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-israel-chess/chess-federation-says-israel-excluded-from-saudi-hosted-match-idUSKBN1EI0CE

[Gromit]

Tora,
The Reuters report is clearer.
The World Chess Federation picked Saudi Arabia as the venue, and told competitors that EVERYONE would be able to enter. Then the Saudis failed to issue Visas for Israeli (and Qatari) players.
The competition should have immediately been cancelled in my opinion.

[douglas9401]

Time for action:

[ToraToraTora]

I see, well FIDE should not have picked such an uncivilised Tish hole then.

[dannyk13]

//The competition should have immediately been cancelled /agreed

[Khandro]

Of course! But the camel-drivers wouldn't have stood a chance against the Jews.