Russia's Chess Team International Ban Remains in Place

Russia’s chess team will remain banned from international competitions after a key decision by the International Chess Federation (FIDE).

In a decisive vote held during a general assembly in Budapest, delegates supported continuing sanctions against Russia and its ally, Belarus, which have been in place since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Both nations were expelled from FIDE shortly after the conflict began, with Russia’s control over domestic chess closely tied to its political regime.

Vladimir Putin’s influence in the sport is evident, with figures such as Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov serving on the governing board of Russian chess. The assembly’s decision reflects concerns about this relationship, and a majority of the delegates in Budapest voted to maintain these sanctions, despite some calls for partial concessions.

One of the few areas where leniency may be explored is for children and other vulnerable groups. A motion was passed to consult with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) about the possibility of easing restrictions in these specific cases.

However, the ban on Russia’s national team, officials, and the use of Russian flags and anthems in international chess will remain firmly in place.

The final determination now lies with FIDE’s strategic body, the FIDE Council, but given the strong vote in favour of sanctions, it is highly unlikely that the council will overturn the result.

Malcolm Pein, head of the English Chess Federation, described the outcome as a “crushing defeat” for Russia, highlighting the international consensus that maintaining pressure on Russia through sports and culture is crucial. He emphasized that many delegates were concerned about the potential repercussions for FIDE’s relationship with the IOC if the chess federation were to diverge from broader international sporting policies.

For Ukraine, this outcome is seen as a significant diplomatic victory. Sixty-six countries voted in favour of maintaining sanctions, while only 21 supported lifting them.

Those advocating for the removal of sanctions largely included Russia, Belarus, and several of their allies, particularly in Asia and Africa, as well as some former Soviet republics. However, the majority of Western countries, including the US, the UK, France, and much of Europe, rallied behind Ukraine’s call to keep the pressure on Russia.

Viktor Kapustin, representing the Ukrainian Chess Federation, praised the decision, calling it a clear win for Ukraine. He emphasized that Russia’s assumed level of international support did not materialise in the vote and reiterated that Russia, as an aggressor nation, must face consequences in all areas, including sports.

Kapustin also stressed the importance of maintaining, or even strengthening, the sanctions, asserting that only by doing so can Russia be held accountable for its actions in Ukraine.

Russia, meanwhile, has argued that chess should remain free from political interference, urging the international chess community to lift all sanctions. Nevertheless, their appeals did not gain sufficient traction, especially with the IOC’s recommendation that sports organisations uphold sanctions against Russia and Belarus.

FIDE’s sanctions on Russia are not limited to the national team and officials. In June 2023, a FIDE commission also took action against the Russian Chess Federation (CFR) for organising chess tournaments in Ukrainian territories that are under illegal Russian occupation.

The CFR was banned for two years for bringing the game into disrepute, although this ban was later commuted to a €45,000 fine, a decision that drew criticism from Ukraine and its allies.

The involvement of high-ranking Russian officials such as ex-Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, both of whom are under international sanctions, in the CFR’s leadership only deepened concerns about the politicisation of Russian chess.

Despite the fine, the broader sanctions against Russia remain in place, underscoring the ongoing international efforts to isolate the country in response to its actions in Ukraine. FIDE’s latest vote represents a clear signal that, for the time being, Russia will not be welcomed back into the world of competitive chess.

Image: Alan Light via Wikipedia.