7-year-old chess champ couldnt compete in Tunisia tourney because she's from Israel

Schoolgirl Liel Levitan from Haifa was unable to accept an invitation to play in the World Chess Championship because host nation Tunisia is not allowing Israel nationals to compete, it was reported last month.

This is not the first time chess players from Israel have been denied the opportunity to participate in international tournaments due to their nationality.

Eventually Tunisia backtracked this week only after the World Chess Federation threatened to strip it of event if the girl from Haifa is barred.

The FIDE World Chess Federation pressured its Tunisian affiliate and the country's authorities to allow her to compete, according to the report.

Many Arab countries place limitations on Israeli representation in sports and cultural events, prompting protests by Israel and professional associations that view it as political interference contrary to international standards on sportsmanship.

The Tunisian Chess Federation issued a circular Tuesday stating that "players from all countries are welcome, without exception."

FIDE had threatened to revoke Tunisia's privileges to host the match, the report said.

The issue of Israel's participation drew international attention last month after the pro-Israel advocacy organization StandWithUs launched an online campaign asking to ensure participation for Liel, who won the Girls U7 category in the European School Individual Chess Championship in July.

Last month Tunisia, along with the UAE, was stripped from hosting two international Judo tournaments due to their failure to guarantee equal treatment of Israeli athletes.