FIDE Bans Latvian IM Andrejs Strebkovs for Five Years for Sexual Harassment
FIDE Bans Latvian IM Andrejs Strebkovs for Five Years Due to Sexual Harassment Allegations
In a shocking turn of events, FIDE’s Ethics & Disciplinary Commission (EDC) has handed down a five-year ban to Latvian IM Andrejs Strebkovs after finding him guilty of sexually harassing several top female players, including minors, by sending them obscene letters over a span of more than a decade.
The decision, announced by FIDE on Monday, prohibits the 43-year-old from participating in any FIDE-rated event as a player or even being physically present at one. The full details of the case can be found on the EDC’s website.
The case against Strebkovs was initiated following a complaint by FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, who emphasized FIDE’s zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and abuse within the chess community, especially when minors are involved.
Background of the Case
The allegations against Strebkovs came to light 2.5 years ago when an independent Russian news magazine, Meduza, published an extensive investigative report detailing how Strebkovs had been sending obscene letters to young female players, predominantly Russian, for over a decade.
The letters, sent from Riga, contained pages from pornographic magazines and used condoms, and were addressed to the players’ homes, clubs, universities, and tournament venues. At least 15 players, including minors, received these disturbing letters, with the first known incident dating back to 2009.
Despite the initial exposure of the scandal, another letter with similar content was received by a player as recently as August 2023, indicating the persistence of Strebkovs’ inappropriate behavior.
Latvian Police Investigation and Strebkovs’ Response
Following Meduza’s report, the case was brought to the attention of the Latvian police by FIDE’s managing director, WGM Dana Reiznieve-Ozola. Despite the police confirming a DNA match between Strebkovs and the biological material found on the envelopes, they concluded that his actions did not constitute a criminal offense under Latvian law.
In May 2024, Dvorkovich lodged a complaint with the EDC based on Meduza’s findings and the police investigation. Strebkovs, in his defense, did not deny sending the letters but argued that FIDE lacked jurisdiction over the matter, claiming the letters were private correspondence unrelated to chess activities.
However, the EDC rejected Strebkovs’ arguments, citing multiple violations of FIDE’s Code of Ethics and emphasizing the severity of his actions, especially towards women and minors within the chess community.
Implications of the Ban
Strebkovs’ five-year ban prohibits him from participating in any FIDE-rated events globally, although his FIDE title will not be revoked. The EDC’s decision reflects FIDE’s commitment to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all players, regardless of gender.
FIDE’s partnership with Safe Sport International, aimed at combating discrimination and harassment, further underscores the organization’s dedication to safeguarding the well-being of its members.
Strebkovs’ removal from the First Saturday tournament in Budapest following the EDC’s decision highlights the swift action taken by organizers to uphold FIDE’s sanctions. Despite Strebkovs’ denial of the allegations, the ban stands, signaling a clear message against misconduct within the chess community.
Chess.com has been unable to reach Strebkovs for comment on the decision, but his intention to protest the ban indicates a potential legal challenge in the future. The repercussions of this case extend beyond the individual involved, emphasizing the importance of maintaining ethical standards and ensuring a respectful environment for all chess players.