Bulgaria risks losing its top chess player, Nurgyul Salimova, amid an ongoing institutional dispute in the country’s chess administration. The controversy centers on the existence of two rival federations and the potential international consequences of the unresolved conflict.
One of the organizations, BFSh 2022, holds a license from Bulgaria’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, while the other, BSFSH, is recognized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and the European Chess Union (ECU). The parallel structures have created uncertainty over which body is officially authorized to represent Bulgaria in international competitions.
In a public Facebook post, Salimova expressed concern about her future in the sport, saying she does not know what awaits her after July 1. She emphasized that she is currently Bulgaria’s highest-ranked female player in the FIDE rankings and recently finished tied for 2nd–4th place at the European Championship.
“However, I don’t know what will happen to my professional future after July 1st,” she wrote, adding that she has upcoming international commitments and long-term competitive goals.
Salimova also warned that Bulgaria’s participation in major events, including the Chess Olympiad in September, is now uncertain. She said she is unsure whether sanctions, rating issues, or restrictions on participation could affect her career, noting that many of the decisions are outside her control.
“I don’t know if we will be allowed in!! I don’t know if my rights will be suspended or my rating will be removed!?” she stated, highlighting the instability surrounding the situation.
She further criticized the long-running administrative conflict in Bulgarian chess, arguing that players are the ones who bear the consequences of institutional disputes rather than the organizations involved.
The chess player stressed that while competitors abroad benefit from structured support systems, Bulgarian players must deal with organizational uncertainty alongside their sporting preparation.
“My competitors can focus all their energy on becoming better chess players. I have to divide my attention between chess and everything else,” Salimova noted.
She warned that if the situation is not resolved, Bulgaria risks losing some of its strongest talents, including herself, and urged that the focus be placed on the future of athletes rather than administrative disputes.
In parallel, the Bulgarian Chess Sports Federation has appealed to the Ministry of Youth and Sports to urgently address the licensing issue. The organization warned that FIDE had already issued a warning last November regarding possible sanctions if the dispute remains unresolved.
According to the federation, FIDE has indicated that it recognizes its structure as the official representative body, and has cautioned that Bulgaria could face serious penalties after July 1 if the situation is not settled, including restrictions affecting top players’ ability to compete internationally.