The World Chess Federation (FIDE) recently decided to uphold a ban on Russian and Belarusian players in team tournaments, while considering lifting restrictions for disabled and junior competitors from these countries. Despite allowing individual competition under a neutral status, sanctions on Russia and Belarus remain in place.
Interestingly, FIDE’s general assembly proposed consulting with the IOC to potentially permit disabled and child players to participate under the Russian flag. Amidst a divided vote with support from 66 countries, the restriction on Russia and Belarus received mixed reactions.
With the majority of Western nations in favor of maintaining sanctions against Moscow, tensions were evident. Russia’s plea to keep chess free from politics clashed with Ukraine’s push for retribution within the chess community. FIDE’s decision to retract Russia’s expulsion earlier this month further fueled controversy.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov criticized the politicization of sport, highlighting Ukraine and the West’s alleged pressure tactics. As the chess world navigates complex geopolitical dynamics, the struggle between competition and diplomacy continues to shape the game.