Saudi Arabia denies visas to Israel chess players

Israeli players have been denied visas to participate in a chess championship to be hosted by Saudi Arabia, a vice president of the World Chess Federation (FIDE) said on Sunday, reported Reuters news agency. 

Seven Israeli players had requested visas for the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships to be held from Tuesday to Saturday.

Israel Gelfer, vice president of FIDE, said visas for the Israeli players “have not been issued and will not be issued.”

Saudi Arabia does not recognize Israel and there are no formal ties between them.

Grandmaster Levon Aronian, who plays first board for the Armenian national chess team, also will compete in the aforesaid tournament.

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