2026 FIDE Olympiad – Selecting an Isle of Man Team
(Agreed by IOM Chess Association Committee on 15 July, and wording finalised 23 July 2025)
Background
- To be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
- Arrival/departure dates: exact dates not yet known but likely to be in the second half of September 2026.
- Olympiad is a team competition with the likely participation of over 180 countries.
- IOM will be using its FIDE-affiliated status to enter a team for the second time, following Budapest 2024.
- 11 round Swiss, teams of 5 players plus (optional) non-playing Captain.
o 4 players participate in each round. - The Olympiad Organiser provides free, full-board hotel accommodation: two standard double rooms and two single rooms (4 star minimum) for 5 players + 1 Captain.
- The non-playing Captain will also be Chief of Delegation.
- Scheinberg Family has provided sponsorship of £15,000:
o To cover air tickets, uniform, UK hotel on outward and return journeys.
o To cover any transfer fees for those changing FIDE federation to IOM.
o We’ll aim to provide a single room for each team member, instead of the two double rooms provided by the Organiser. - Assume 15 or 16 nights away from IOM.
- Prospective team members should consider UK Foreign Office travel advice on topics such as security, health and insurance before committing.
- Team members will cover costs of their own lunches and any sundry expenses.
Qualifying criteria
- Paid-up member of IOMCA as at 1 October 2025.
- IOM flag in FIDE Rating Database as at 1 March 2026.
- The 5 places decided (in this order) as follows:
o Highest FIDE rated player as at 1 October 2025
▪ If highest rated player declines or is ineligible, an extra place will be allocated to the Random Draw.
o Douglas Champion 2025/26
▪ If Champion is already qualified, declines or is ineligible, an extra place will be allocated to the Random Draw.
o Manx Cup Champion 2025/26
▪ If Champion is already qualified, declines or is ineligible, an extra place will be allocated to the Random Draw.
o Manx Chess Champion 2025/26
▪ If Champion is already qualified, declines or is ineligible, an extra place will be allocated to the Random Draw.
o RANDOM DRAW, to determine at least one place (and possibly as many as five places) held at a social event to be arranged for IOMCA members in April 2026. Players eligible for the draw must:
▪ Have played at least 14 classical games from IOMCA events in the 2025/26 season. (Note – a walkover or a 1-point bye will count as a game)
▪ Have completed at least two of the three above classical tournaments in the 2025/26 season. (Note – withdrawing from a tournament, defaulting multiple games, or taking a last round default does not meet the definition of “completed”)
▪ Have met the other qualifying criteria.
▪ Have confirmed their availability for the duration of the Olympiad. - Each qualifier must give a firm commitment to be available for the duration of the Olympiad by 30 April 2026 and pay a deposit of £300 that would be lost if they pull-out without good reason, as determined by IOMCA Committee.
o If a qualifier has difficulties in paying the £300 deposit, they should speak (in confidence) with the IOMCA Chairman who may vary this requirement as he sees fit. - Each qualifier must commit to upholding acceptable standards of behaviour and etiquette, including adherence to the dress code. They must also agree to accept and respect the authority of the Captain.
- It is expected that team members will travel together both to and from the event.
- In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the IOMCA Committee can vary the qualifying criteria as it sees fit, and its decision is final.
Captain/Chief of Delegation, and Team Selection Policy
- Non-playing Captain (doubling as Chief of Delegation) to be appointed by IOMCA Committee.
o Duties will include the administration of travel and hotel arrangements for the team members.
o In the case of several candidates, the Committee will interview them before deciding. - Team selection to be arranged so that every player plays in at least 6 games unless they are prevented from doing so due to illness.