Hikaru Nakamura shared his opinion on Alireza Firouzja’s relationship with the French Chess Federation (FFE). Nakamura is confused about Firouzja not being obligated to play at the Chess Olympiad for France. Hikaru reflects on the possible reason for Alireza’s move to Bulgaria.

Hikaru Nakamura

Hikaru Nakamura

World's No. 2

“I don’t know what on earth the French were thinking. They did they did everything they could to help Firouzja get citizenship, live in France, leave Iran.

And then apparently there are no obligations to play the Olympiad or represent the country in any way, shape, or form. So, I have no idea what’s going on there.

And also, apparently Alireza is now living in Bulgaria which is even more bizarre. Maybe there are lower taxes or something in Bulgaria than France. But even that I’m a little confused by the whole situation.”

The FFE made a statement about Alireza in May. Firouzja was not invited to participate in the 2026 Chess Olympiad and will not be invited to future events until the specific requirement is fulfilled. The FFE noted that Alireza did not respond favorably to the French national team’s invitation and did not provide any official reasons.

Iranian-born GM Alireza Firouzja played under the Iranian flag from 2003 to 2019. Firouzja moved to France with his family in 2019. Alireza played under the FIDE flag from 2020 to 2021. He has represented the French Chess Federation since July 2021.

Alireza has not made any public statements about a potential transfer to the Bulgarian Federation. Firouzja confirmed that he lives in Bulgaria in late August in an interview at the Sofia Cup 2026.

Credit: Yoav Nisenbaum / FIDE