In an unprecedented move fueled by escalating political discord, a cadre of Israeli chess players have collectively refused to participate in one of Spain’s premier international chess tournaments. Players cited concerns over safety and experiences of hostility, with some recounting direct remarks such as “Just don’t come here,” reportedly echoed by tournament officials and local factions alike. This boycott marks a significant moment in the intersection of sports and geopolitics, underscoring the deepening rift between Israeli participants and certain European event organizers.

The withdrawal not only affects the tournament’s competitive landscape but also injects new layers of complexity into international sporting relations. Organizers, scrambling…