Taiwan National Federation banning foreigners from chess

[ EDIT: After 12h of protests, this crazy decision has been reversed! ] 

Hello,

just heard that the Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) Chess Federation is banning foreigners from attending tournaments in Taiwan.

Is this OK for a FIDE member federation?!

If not is there anything / anywhere a player can turn to? Appeal to FIDE? I am quite sure FIDE principles forbid discrimination based on nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation etc.

This decision comes TWO days before the national championships qualifiers (where me, among others have made arrangements for), so the need for advice is kinda urgent.

:-(

So what it's there loss just every one needs to just not play there

Really? That sounds like a very un-Taiwan-like thing to me. Do u have a link to an article where it says that?

Just let the fide know send them a email are jus call them the main fide

There is nothing written. Just a phone call from the secreraty of the Chinese Taipei Chess Federation (since I registered for the national championships starting this weekend).

It used to be that foreingers were allowed, but only one was allowed on the national team. (Which I do not care much about, I just wanted to play in the only national tournament here that has longer than a 25 min time control).

Sorry man it's bull of they due that if you what to play in it fight to get in

Yes, I am a legal alien resident for years. Past years has been no problem.

Rumour has it, that it is about money. The national tournament also decides who is on the national team, and they do not want to pay the airfare to Norway to a foreigner. But that unconfirmed, of course.

Also, it would be a bit loss of face if top X in the nationals are all foreigners... (risking to be that way) 

I haven't heard this yet, but it was hinted at last year.  I would assume this is JUST for the national selection tournaments and NOT all tournaments.  I was told that in the past the foreigners were let into the tournament to help strengthen the national team, I guess they believe that we aren't needed anymore.  Olaf and I were talking about this last week...

Gary

Gary,

you could be right, but what is the difference if it is just the nationals? What other tournaments are there under the auspices of CTCF? Any other national rated events? None.

(There are small rapid tournaments organized by chess schools, like yours, but bigger events or a longer than 25 min time control? Nope.) 

Also, any tournament with money prices requires a work permit -- or risk deportation for life (even if the risk is insignificant). So formally most tournaments are illegal for, at least me (and at least some of the strongest players in Taipei area). 

I just got off the phone with Dina. She said it is partly due to funding, but mostly due to the position of the Taiwanese government to only have their own citizens representing their country. We aren't even allowed to participate because we would "squeeze" players out of the finals. This is a pretty weak reason, and I think we could probably argue our way back into the games if they continue to restrict the number of foreigners that go through to the next round.

Keep fighting it with me, I was really looking forward to our game this year...

The world thumbed their collective nose at Taiwan by not letting it be in the UN, now they come crawling back....

Tapani,

I understand! As far as real tournaments with decent time controls, this was exactly what Olaf and I were talking about.  We decided when the time came that we got kicked out we would host a closed 3 or 4 day tournament at a nice hotel with long time controls...Interested? (there must be a 4 day weekend at some point later in the year)  What I have serious issue with is how they 'informed' us in such a timely manner.(sarcasm alert)  Also an open discussion regarding this (even via e-mail) would have at least given the foreigners a chance to say 'we'll pay our own way'...Is there a Chinese word for 'proactive'?...

John (KaohsiungChess), 

I doubt there is anything we can do, but I'll drop an inquiry to FIDE. They are probably allowed to do this. Was looking forward to our games too (actually most of the games!), they always been very even and exciting. Heck.. been regretting not giving my bishop for your two pawns in our last final game :-) )

Gary,

about tournament - yes!! If that is happening, I might ask around for more. There are a few who play long time control for fun in the weekends in Taipei. 

About not funding foreigners airfare with taxpayer money... we can pay orself, not play in the team .. and we foreigners pay taxes here too! :( 

Ironically, the invitation to the tournament has as one of the rules that it is open to anyone who loves chess.

You will not get far with fide since it is not a fide event.  I hope they let you guys play in the tournament for fun. The National Team will only be for Taiwanese from now on.  At the last official meeting Mr. Yang started an anti-foreigner campaign, looks like some members of the Taiwan Chess Government are buying into it.

Craig,

it appears they won't let us play. At least they took my name off the participant list.

By any chance, is Mr Yang the dad of one of the stronger Taiwanese players?

Thats him!

Looks like it's time to form the "Taiwan Foreign Chess Player Federation"!  If we promise our vote to one of the FIDE candidates they might even give us a vote:)

As of 7:41 pm I have just spoken to Dina and WE ARE NOW ALLOWED TO PLAY in the TOURNAMENT BUT NOT REPRESENT TAIWAN.  I specifically asked for all the rounds (semis and finals included) and got a yes.  Same # restrictions as last year.  Dina tried to phone Tapani, but she couldn't get through.  Tapani could you confirm with me and phone DIna if you want to play on Sunday!  john knows (talked to Dina) and I told Olaf.  Pass it on to anyone else you may think it affects!  CHeers

Gary

Looks like there has been some confusion about all of this.  Here is my conversation with Professor Liu.

Hello Professor Liu,