'Deeply regrets': FIDE apologises over Chess Olympiad lodging crisis, assures teams of compensation

NEW DELHI: FIDE has stepped in to address an accommodation crisis that disrupted the opening day of the 2026 Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, assuring affected federations that they will not be left to bear additional costs arising from the arrangements.In a statement, FIDE said it “notes with deep regret” that shortcomings in accommodation arrangements left some participating teams without proper lodging, forcing them to arrange rooms in the city at their own expense.While accommodation is the responsibility of the local Organising Committee (LOC), FIDE said it considered it its duty to assist the federations affected by the situation.The governing body has secured additional financial resources and confirmed that teams forced to arrange their own accommodation will be reimbursed for rooms of an appropriate standard for up to three days.FIDE also announced compensation for teams staying in official hotels that do not meet the standards approved for the Olympiad.“FIDE deeply regrets that these organizational problems occurred and apologizes to the affected federations and teams,” the statement said, adding that its priority was to ensure that no federation suffered financial losses because of the organisational shortcomings.The crisis also affected India's contingent, which arrived in Uzbekistan on Tuesday ahead of the opening round. Several members of the team were left waiting for hours after their reservations at the Silk Road by Minyoun hotel had not been properly communicated to the property by the LOC.Men's team captain Srinath Narayanan publicly raised the issue, while All India Chess Federation (AICF) president Nitin Narang held discussions with FIDE and the organising committee to resolve the situation. Head of Delegation Grandmaster Abhijit Kunte was also sent to assist the team on the ground.“We took up the matter very strongly with both the LOC and FIDE. In very simple terms, it was communicated that this was not acceptable and that this situation should never have happened in the first place.” Narang told TimesofIndia.com afterwards. "But I am relieved that the players have now been accommodated and are finally in their rooms."Vidit Gujrathi described the episode as a “very poor first impression” of the Samarkand Olympiad.ALSO READ: Chess Olympiad: How India's Arjun Erigaisi suffered biggest Round 1 upset against lower-rated opponentIndia arrive at the tournament as defending champions in both the Open and Women's sections after their historic double-gold triumph at the 2024 Budapest Olympiad. The 46th Chess Olympiad runs until September 27.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.