Freestyle Chess and FIDE Deadlocked in Conflict: Calls for FIDE President’s Resignation

The negotiations between Freestyle Chess and the International Chess Federation (FIDE) have hit a roadblock, leading to a deadlock in their conflict. Freestyle Chess, led by founders Jan Henric Buettner and GM Magnus Carlsen, has decided to postpone its decision to crown a world champion, while FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich is facing calls for his resignation.

The feud escalated on Monday when FIDE released a statement stating that no agreement had been reached, with Freestyle Chess refusing to acknowledge FIDE’s authority over the World Championship title. In response, Buettner published a letter accusing FIDE of backing out of negotiations that were close to completion, citing private messages from Dvorkovich indicating an imminent agreement.

Calls for Dvorkovich’s resignation intensified as both Buettner and Carlsen publicly criticized his handling of the situation. Carlsen accused Dvorkovich of coercion, misuse of power, and broken promises, leading to further tension in the conflict.

Despite efforts to reach an agreement, the dispute between Freestyle Chess and FIDE remains unresolved. FIDE has imposed a deadline for players to sign a waiver allowing them to participate in Freestyle Chess and the next World Championship cycle, adding to the complexity of the situation.

The 2025 Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour is set to begin in Germany on February 7, with the aim of revolutionizing the world of chess. However, the decision to postpone crowning a world champion by ten months reflects the ongoing conflict between Freestyle Chess and FIDE.

As the chess world watches closely, the future of the sport’s governance and championship titles hangs in the balance, with both sides standing firm in their positions. The chess community eagerly awaits a resolution to this high-stakes conflict.