FIDE Ethics & Disciplinary Commission Revokes IM Title and Extends Ban

Latvian IM Andrejs Strebkovs Stripped of Title and Banned for Sending Explicit Material

In a shocking decision by the FIDE Ethics & Disciplinary Commission (EDC), Latvian IM Andrejs Strebkovs, 43, has been stripped of his international master title and banned from attending FIDE-rated events for 12 years. The ruling comes after Strebkovs was found guilty of sending sexually explicit material to women and minors for over a decade.

The initial ruling in August 2024 saw Strebkovs handed a five-year ban, but after filing an appeal, FIDE responded with a cross-appeal seeking a harsher punishment. The EDC First Instance Chamber upheld the evidence presented, including DNA analysis and findings from a police investigation, which led to the extended ban.

Strebkovs, who never denied sending the explicit material, failed to show any remorse or empathy towards the victims, according to the Chamber. His views on sexual harassment and abuse were deemed incompatible with the standards of the FIDE family.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich emphasized the importance of safeguarding the rights and dignity of all players, particularly women and minors, within the chess community. The decision to revoke Strebkovs’ title sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated in the sport.

The respondent’s defense arguments, including claims that the letters were exchanged privately and unrelated to FIDE activities, were dismissed by the Chamber. Strebkovs will also face an administrative fine in addition to the FIDE sanctions.

The full decision can be found on the EDC’s website, marking a significant moment in the history of FIDE as Strebkovs becomes the first international master to have his title revoked for misconduct.