'Deeply regrets': FIDE apologises over Chess Olympiad lodging crisis

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…