According to the controversial Muslim televangelist, chess is sinful and the players are cursed, Express reports.

"Playing chess is worse than gambling and eating pork. People who play chess are more prone to lying than others."

"People who play chess may not say the shahada (declaration of Islamic belief) while they are dying.

People who play chess are cursed," he said.

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After making this interesting statement, the 51-year-old imam offered an alternative.

He advised Muslims to count their prayer beads instead of playing the sinful game of chess.

"You should count your prayer beads instead of playing games like this," he added.

Unlu has been attacked by the Turkish Chess Federation, who called the comments “unacceptable”.

They have also reportedly vowed to take legal action against him.

Do you agree with this statement?