Greek Chess Federation succumbs to pressure from Turkey

"The Board of the Greek Chess Federation, in the meeting of 30/6/2012, discussed and accepted a demand of the Turkish Chess federation, not to allow the participation of the chess player Suat Atalik in competitions in Greece. S.Atalik is punished by his federation with 15-months exclusion of matches, punishment which has been confirmed by the Supreme Sports Court of Turkey."

The organizers of the Kavala Chess Open apologised to Atalik as they were forced to withdraw the invitation for the tournament.

Atalik is still listed as top seeded player for the Negroponte Open in Greece in August. Meanwhile, tomorrow he starts competing in Paracin Open in Serbia.

From FIDE handbook

Moral principles of FIDE for non-FIDE chess competitions.

1. The organizers and the players must be guided by the highest principles of the FIDE Statues:
- FIDE is concerned exclusively with chess activities.
- FIDE rejects discriminatory treatment for national, political, racial, social or religious reasons or on account of sex.
- FIDE observes a strict neutrality in the internal affairs of the national chess federations.

2. In accord with its Statutes, FIDE reaffirms its commitment to the right to play chess and opposes all organized actions that would hinder that right.

3. It is understood that:
- An organizer of a chess competition has the right to invite any chess player he chooses. Once an invitation has been issued and accepted, it must not be withdrawn.
- Each player accepts an invitation only on his own free will but in strict accordance with the statutes and resolutions accepted by FIDE.