National selector Laurent Fressinet has officially announced the rosters for the French national teams set to compete in the upcoming Chess Olympiad. The 46th World Chess Olympiad is set to take place from 15-28th September in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Open Team:
Maxime Vachier-Lagrave
Étienne Bacrot
Maxime Lagarde
Jules Moussard
Marc’Andria Maurizzi
Team captain: Sébastien Mazé
Women’s Team:
Marie Sebag
Deimante Daulyte-Cornette
Sophie Milliet
Pauline Guichard
Manon Schippke
Team captain: Silvia Alexieva
The Firouzja Controversy
Despite the strong lineups, the announcement is overshadowed by the confirmed absence of France’s top-ranked player, Alireza Firouzja. The national selector and the National Technical Direction expressed regret that Firouzja declined the selection without providing official reasons.
This marks the fifth consecutive year that Firouzja has chosen not to represent France in major team competitions, including the Olympiads and the European Championships.
In a decision regarding team discipline and national pride, the French Chess Federation (FFE) has clarified its future stance on Firouzja. The selection committee emphasized that representing France requires a strong commitment to the national collective project. Consequently, Firouzja will no longer be called up for national duty unless he expresses a clear and lasting desire to reintegrate into the team spirit. The FFE noted that while this decision does not question Firouzja’s immense talent or his right to prioritize his personal career, it serves as a reminder of the commitment required to wear the national jersey.
The FFE concluded the announcement by thanking their partner, Crédit Mutuel, for their continued support of the French teams in international competitions.
Other national teams:
Japan
Scotland
Ukraine
Monaco
Uganda
Botswana
Ghana
