World Chess Federation Delays Decision on Russian Players' Participation in Tournaments

The President of the World Chess Federation (FIDE), Arkady Dvorkovich, announced during the organization's general assembly that a final decision regarding the participation of Russian athletes carrying national symbols has yet to be made.

“We are holding consultations concerning the current situation. This will take time. It involves possible voting between two options,” Dvorkovich stated.

In 2022, FIDE decided to prohibit Russian and Belarusian chess players from participating in tournaments under their national flags and anthems. Chess players can compete under the flags of the FCSR/Belarusian Chess Federation (BCF) or FIDE.

In 2025, FIDE allowed Russian youth and Paralympic teams to compete as neutral participants. In July, the Ukrainian women’s team was granted the right to participate in the FIDE World Team Championship.

In November, the Ukrainian Chess Federation demanded the disqualification of the Russian women’s team from the Chess World Championship.

Later, FIDE voted in favor of lifting restrictions on Russian chess players.