IRAN – The world’s top female chess players have reportedly been told they must wear hijabs if they wish to compete in next year’s world championships in Iran. 

The next Women’s World Championships are due to be held in Tehran in March 2017 but several players have threatened to boycott the tournament if females are required to wear a hijab.

The country has strict laws about attire for women, and many chess players in the tournament are taking issue with it and threatening to not participate.

Chess’ governing body, FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs), has come under criticism for its decision to host the tournament in Iran.

However, the group said that government officials in Iran may be willing to compromise.

FIDE is “reviewing all possible solutions for the players’ comfort and will discuss all the issues with the organizers in Iran during meetings in the next few weeks,” said a spokeswoman.

The body’s Commission for Women’s Chess defended the move, calling on participants to respect “cultural differences”.

US Women’s Champion Nazi Paikidze also expressed her frustration that she would “have to miss her first Women’s World Championship for many reasons” and tweeted a link to the US State Department’s warning about American citizens still being at heightened risk of arrest. 

The Georgian-born champion told The Daily Telegraph: “It is absolutely unacceptable to host one of the most important women’s tournaments in a venue where, to this day, women are forced to cover up with a hijab.

“I understand and respect cultural differences. But, failing to comply can lead to imprisonment and women’s rights are being severely restricted in general.”