FIDE Addresses Accommodation Issues at Chess Olympiad 2026 in Samarkand

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has announced a reimbursement plan for teams affected by accommodation issues during the Chess Olympiad 2026 in Samarkand. Following complaints from Indian Grandmasters Srinath Narayanan and Vidit Gujrathi, FIDE will compensate teams that had to arrange their own lodging due to inadequate official accommodations. The federation expressed regret over the situation and emphasized its commitment to ensuring that no federation suffers financial losses. The Chess Olympiad, running from September 15 to 27, sees India competing as the defending champion in both sections. Read on for more details about FIDE's response and the ongoing event.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 17, 2026, 00:08 IST

FIDE Responds to Accommodation Challenges

Samarkand [Uzbekistan], September 16: The International Chess Federation (FIDE) announced on Wednesday that it will provide reimbursement and compensatory payments to teams impacted by accommodation issues during the Chess Olympiad 2026. This announcement follows concerns raised by Indian Grandmasters Srinath Narayanan and Vidit Gujrathi regarding the difficulties teams encountered upon their arrival in Samarkand.

FIDE stated that teams forced to secure their own lodging due to inadequate official arrangements would be reimbursed for accommodations of suitable quality for up to three days. Additionally, teams staying in official hotels that fail to meet FIDE's standards will receive extra compensatory payments.

The federation shared this information in a post on X, expressing regret over the accommodation shortcomings that left some teams without proper lodging on the first day of the Olympiad, compelling them to rent rooms independently. While FIDE noted that accommodation issues fall under the local Organising Committee's jurisdiction, it emphasized its commitment to assist affected federations.

FIDE confirmed that it has allocated additional financial resources to ensure that all teams needing to arrange their own accommodations will be reimbursed for up to three days. Furthermore, teams staying in substandard official hotels will receive additional compensation.

FIDE expressed its regret for the organizational issues and apologized to the federations and teams affected. The federation's priority is to prevent any financial losses for participating federations, ensuring fair treatment and proper conditions for all involved in the Chess Olympiad.

This statement followed Narayanan and Gujrathi's concerns regarding the accommodation situation on the competition's opening day. Narayanan reported that the Indian team had to wait several hours for room assignments after arriving at Samarkand airport, but the situation was resolved after discussions with Uzbek chess representatives and hotel management.

Narayanan updated on X, stating, “A delegation from Uzbek chess, led by @AlisherSZ, met with me and @chessgmkunte today. They have worked diligently to resolve our issues. @narangnitin and @aicfchess have also provided essential support from the start. The team is now ready to focus on the games!”

Earlier, Narayanan had expressed his frustration on X, saying, “Having a terrible experience at the @FIDE_chess 2026 Olympiad. The team landed 5 hours ago at Samarkand airport and still hasn’t been assigned rooms, with no clarity on when it will happen.”

Vidit also shared his disappointment, stating, “Very poor first impressions of the Samarkand, Uzbekistan Olympiad 2026. Still waiting.”

The Chess Olympiad, recognized as the premier team chess event globally, is taking place in Samarkand from September 15 to 27. India enters the competition as the defending champion in both the open and women's sections, featuring top players and teams from around the world.