Iran fined €25,000 for Israel boycott at Chess Olympiad

The World Chess Federation’s Ethics and Disciplinary Commission ruled that Iran’s women’s team deliberately boycotted its match against Israel at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest on September 22, 2024, imposing a €25,000 fine and warning of a one-year suspension if the sum is not paid within 21 days, according to the decision. The case followed a complaint by the Israel Chess Federation, and the panel said the conduct violated FIDE’s non-discrimination principles.

The chamber unanimously found the Iranian team’s absence was intentional, rejecting Iran’s claim that the Danube flooding blocked access to the venue. Reports cited tournament officials as saying they contained flood conditions and allowed all teams to participate on the final day.

Iran’s men’s team, staying under the same logistical conditions, reached its round on time and played Armenia, undermining the force majeure argument. The decision added that the chief arbiter had prior information about a potential boycott and received no formal notice from Iran on the day of the match.

Sanction and deadline

The commission stated that the 4–0 technical win given to Israel was clear and that a fine, although less than the highest possible amount, was still necessary because of the serious nature of a national federation's unfair choice not to compete. If payment is not made within 21 days of the decision, Iran’s federation will be temporarily excluded from participation in FIDE’s General Assembly activities for one year.

“This is an important decision that restores respect and justice to Israeli sport,” said Dr. Zvika Barkai, chair of the Israel Chess Federation, praising FIDE for “a firm stand” against discrimination. He added that Israeli chess would not accept political boycotts of its athletes.

The Israel Chess Federation said it is finalizing preparations for the national championship in Acre, scheduled for January 19–27, 2026, in partnership with the municipality and Mayor Amichai Ben Shlush. The event will be open to the public, with a total prize of NIS 90,000 and a citywide chess festival aimed at bringing the game to residents.

FIDE and event organizers have faced boycott pressures before. In November 2022, the World Team Chess Championship in Jerusalem proceeded with all 11 teams, including the United States, India, and China, after the BDS movement urged a relocation; FIDE did not respond to the appeal, and the event was staged at the Dan Hotel Mount Scopus under a rapid 45-minute format.

In April 2023, three Tunisian players at the FIDE World School Chess Championships in Greece were removed after refusing to face Israelis 12 times, including nine-year-old Noam Sasson, following complaints to organizers. The Post has also reported that in 2020, FIDE warned Iran it faced a ban for repeated refusals to play Israelis, and that Iranian player Sara Khadem was warned not to return home after competing without a hijab at the 2022 World Rapid and Blitz in Almaty, prompting security protection and her arrival in Spain.