The World Amateur Chess Championship, organized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), is scheduled to take place from November 4 to 13 in Klang, in Malaysia's Selangor state, a country that prohibits Israeli citizens from entering its territory.
FIDE's official announcement states that "all FIDE member federations and all eligible players are invited to participate." However, Malaysia's entry restrictions effectively prevent Israelis from competing in the tournament.
Lior Eisenberg, who has campaigned against boycotts of Israel in sports and culture in recent years, told Walla: "I contacted the tournament organizer with an innocent question about participating, and immediately received a message saying he was sorry, but Israelis would not be able to play because of Malaysia's immigration policy. Right afterward, he deleted the message and added another saying they would get back to me. A place that does not accept Israelis or players from any other country should not be allowed to host a world championship."
The situation in Malaysia is not the only case raising questions about Israeli participation in international chess competitions.
In the Netherlands, controversy recently erupted over Israeli grandmaster Alexander (Aharon) Bagrationi, who was born in Ukraine, represents Israel, and lives in Germany. Bagrationi has previously played for several clubs, including Elitzur Elkana and Elitzur Samaria.
Organizers of the Amsterdam Chess Open contacted the Dutch organization The Rights Forum following allegations concerning Bagrationi's ties to clubs in Judea and Samaria. The organization recommended that he not be allowed to participate in the tournament.
Following the controversy, tournament organizers announced that, beginning in January 2027 and subject to legal review, they intend to bar players representing clubs located in territories that an international court has determined to be under illegal occupation.
Bagrationi rejected attempts to attach political significance to his membership in the clubs, saying they are recognized by both the Israeli chess system and FIDE. He argued that any objections to their recognition should be directed at the international federation.
He will ultimately not participate in this year's tournament but clarified that his decision was due to family commitments rather than the controversy.
The position communicated to Eisenberg by the tournament organizer is consistent with Malaysia's declared policy.
In July, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reiterated that his country would continue to prohibit Israeli citizens from entering. Malaysia's Interior Ministry subsequently clarified that travel documents issued by Israel are not recognized for entry into the country. Anwar also said that any Israelis found in Malaysia would be deported.
FIDE regulations prohibit event held where Israelis cannot play
The policy also raises questions about FIDE's own regulations.
In 2019, the international federation publicly committed not to hold events in countries that refuse to issue visas or allow entry to all eligible players, regardless of nationality or citizenship. FIDE emphasized at the time that its events could only be held in locations where access was guaranteed to representatives of all member federations.
Israel is generally not considered one of the dominant nations in chess, unlike countries such as India, the United States, China, and Uzbekistan. Nevertheless, it has a significant chess tradition, with numerous grandmasters and players who regularly compete in Chess Olympiads, European championships, and international tournaments.
The central question, however, is not whether an Israeli player is likely to win the amateur championship in Malaysia, but whether an official world championship can effectively be closed to citizens of one of FIDE's member federations.
Eisenberg is now calling for pressure on FIDE to relocate the championship to another country.
"The biggest problem with boycotts and attempts to delegitimize Israel through sports is our complacency," he said.
"It doesn't matter whether a championship is held thousands of kilometers away and no Israelis are expected to attend, or whether it takes place close to home. The same rules should apply. These countries should no longer be allowed to host competitions without guaranteeing that Israelis can participate."
Eisenberg pointed to the 2019 dispute surrounding the World Para Swimming Championships, which had been scheduled to take place in Malaysia.
The International Paralympic Committee stripped Malaysia of its hosting rights after failing to receive guarantees that Israeli swimmers would be allowed to enter the country and compete. The championship was eventually moved to London.
Eisenberg was among those involved in the campaign at the time, and a petition on the issue gathered thousands of signatures.
"What applied in 2019 must also apply today, after the war," he said.
Pakistan refuses to play against Israel in Chess Olympiad
The controversies follow a series of unusual incidents in international chess.
Last month, Pakistan's national team refused to play against Israel at the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand. The president of the Pakistan Chess Federation said the decision was made in accordance with his country's policy and as an expression of solidarity with the Palestinians. Israel was awarded a win by default.
FIDE itself has previously taken a clear position against boycotts of Israeli players.
In September 2025, following an attempt at a tournament in Spain to prevent Israelis from competing under the Israeli flag, the federation announced that it "strongly condemns all forms of discrimination, including on the basis of nationality and flag."
FIDE also emphasized that the same rules apply to Israel as to all other member federations that are not subject to sanctions.
FIDE will now be called upon to explain how that position is consistent with its decision to hold an official world championship in a country that openly declares that Israeli citizens are not permitted to enter.