The Spanish Chess Federation postponed a decision on Alexei Shirov’s selection for the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand. FEDA Technical Director Ramón Padullés said in the interview to the Damas y Reyes head coach Jordi Magem will choose the team without pressure from the federation. Tension between Shirov and several teammates continues over posts the grandmaster published on social media.

Ramón Padullés

Ramón Padullés

FEDA Technical Director

Shirov has spoken with me. I reached out to him with the intention of fixing things, with the July squad list imminent. We talked a lot on WhatsApp, in three very long conversations. I considered it an obligation to try to convince him that he had not lived up to expectations and had involved many people with his writings [Ed: on Facebook]. Teammates, captains, and myself. At first, it seemed to be going well. Then, it was not exactly like that. We kept talking and I told him we would appreciate an apology, that it would be well received and would fix things

The Chess Olympiad takes place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 15 to 28. Shirov apologized for his conduct at the 2024 European Championship in Batumi, where teammate Sabrina Vega had criticized his behavior.

Photo: Frans Peeters