FIDE General Assembly Votes to Maintain Ban on Russian and Belarusian Chess Teams

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) made a significant decision at the General Assembly in Budapest over the weekend regarding the ban on Russian and Belarusian chess teams. Despite a controversial proposal to lift all restrictions against these teams, delegates ultimately voted in favor of maintaining the ban, with only limited exceptions for vulnerable groups.

Delegates from 66 countries gathered in Budapest for the General Assembly, where a last-minute motion to consider lifting sanctions for children under 12 years old and players with disabilities was supported by the majority. The proposal, presented by FIDE Deputy President GM Viswanathan Anand, aimed to strike a balance between inclusivity and respect for international frameworks.

However, the decision to maintain the ban was met with strong opposition from the Russian and Belarusian delegations, who argued that the sanctions were unfair and a violation of the FIDE Charter. The debate also touched on the political implications of the ban, with concerns raised about FIDE’s relationship with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Notable figures in the chess world, including five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen and FIDE Council member Malcolm Pein, voiced their support for upholding the restrictions. The U.S. State Department also weighed in, warning against breaking precedent set by the IOC in maintaining sanctions against Russia in sports.

In the end, the proposal to lift sanctions only received support from a minority of delegates, with the majority opting to keep the ban in place. The decision was seen as a significant defeat for Russia and Belarus, with implications for their participation in future chess tournaments.

Aside from the ban-related discussions, the General Assembly also saw the election of Yolander Persaud from Guyana as the new chairperson of FIDE’s Ethics & Disciplinary Commission. The voting process was not without controversy, with technical issues and criticisms about transparency in the selection process.

Overall, the General Assembly in Budapest was a pivotal moment for the international chess community, highlighting the complex intersection of sports, politics, and ethics in the world of competitive chess.