World Chess Championship In Iran: Obligation To Wear Hijab Sparks Controversy

Some of the world's top female chess players are upset with the World Chess Federation (FIDE) for not standing up for women's rights. FIDE has asked the players to respect the local law and wear a hijab in the next world championship to be held in Iran. Hijabs have been mandatory for women in Iran since the Islamic Revolution of 1979 and the strict law is enforced by the country's "morality police". The players will risk arrest if they do not cover up during the tournament next year.

Nazi Paikidze, the US women's champion, raised concerns about players' safety in the Islamic republic and will not participate in the event in Tehran next February in protest. In an interview with CNN, she said –

Iran has hosted chess tournaments before and women were always forced to wear a hijab…If the venue of the championship is not changed, I will not be participating. I am deeply upset by this. I feel privileged to have qualified to represent the US at the Women's World Chess Championship and to not be able to due to religious, sexist, and political issues is very disappointing.

Susan Polger, the chairman of FIDE's Commission for Women's Chess, said, if complaints come in, the commission will handle them "professionally and diplomatically." Her official response, however, was accused by many to be defensive of Iran:

I personally would have no issues with wearing a head scarf (hijab) as long as it is the same to all players. I believe the organisers provided beautiful choices for past participants of Women’s Grand Prix. I cannot speak on behalf of others but from my personal conversations with various players in the past year, they had no real issues with it.

If any player has a problem with it, she can and should voice her opinion to WOM (Commission for Women’s Chess) or FIDE and we can address it in our next meeting.”