The French Chess Federation (FFE) has announced the composition of the French team for the 46th Chess Olympiad. The Federation states that French GM Alireza Firouzja will not participate in the Olympiad and will not be invited to future events until the stated requirement is fulfilled.

The FFE says that Alireza did not respond favorably to the French national team’s invitation and did not provide any official reasons. The Federation notes that Firouzja has not participated in the Olympic Games or the European Team Championship for the fifth consecutive year. Alireza Firouzja must express his desire to permanently rejoin the team to receive invitations.

The FFE explained the decision in a press release:

French Chess Federation

French Chess Federation

National governing body

“The national coach and technical directorate believe that representing the French national team requires a strong commitment to the national team project.

Consequently, Alireza Firouzja will no longer be called up to the national team in the future, unless he clearly expresses his desire to permanently rejoin this collective endeavor.

This decision in no way calls into question his immense talent or his freedom to prioritize his personal career, but rather serves to emphasize the importance of the commitment associated with wearing the French national team jersey.”

Iranian-born GM Alireza Firouzja played under the Iranian flag from 2003 to 2019. From 2020 to 2021, Alireza played under the FIDE flag, following his departure from the Iranian federation. Firouzja has represented the French Chess Federation since July 2021.

Alireza Firouzja played once in a team tournament as part of the French team, at the European Team Championship 2021. Alireza last competed in the Chess Olympiad in 2018, representing Iran.

Credit: Lennart Ootes