FIDE Allows Russian and Belarusian Teams to Compete in Youth and Disability Team Events

FIDE Allows Russian and Belarusian Teams to Compete in Youth and Disability Chess Events

In a significant announcement today, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) revealed that Russian and Belarusian teams will once again be permitted to participate in youth and disability team events. This decision marks a shift in policy, as previously only individuals from these countries could compete as neutrals, not teams.

The FIDE statement, released on Friday, outlined that Russian and Belarusian children up to 18 years old will now be able to take part as neutral athletes in youth team competitions and events for players with disabilities. However, restrictions regarding national symbols, such as flags, in individual events will remain in place.

The decision to allow these teams to compete comes after delegates at the FIDE General Assembly in September initially voted to maintain the ban on Russian and Belarusian teams. However, a last-minute proposal by FIDE’s Deputy President, GM Viswanathan Anand, to reconsider sanctions for “vulnerable groups” in consultation with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) led to a change in policy.

The response from the IOC supported FIDE’s decision, stating that it is up to each International Federation to consider the appropriate implementation of the IOC Executive Board recommendations on the participation of individual neutral athletes in their events.

Viswanathan Anand expressed FIDE’s commitment to inclusivity and responsibility, stating, “This decision echoes FIDE’s commitment to balancing inclusivity with responsibility. We discussed this carefully, checked with the IOC, received their clear guidance and support, and ensured our approach respects both humanitarian considerations and the principles of international sport.”

The Russian Chess Federation (CFR) has welcomed the decision, with Vice President Sergey Smagin expressing excitement over the opportunity for their players to compete for the national team once again. The easing of sanctions comes almost three years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which led to the initial ban on Russian and Belarusian teams from official FIDE team tournaments.

While the road to reinstatement has been a long one, the FIDE decision to allow Russian and Belarusian teams to compete in youth and disability events signals a step towards reconciliation and inclusivity in the world of chess.