The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has reportedly reversed its sanctions and will allow the Russian women’s team to compete in the 2025 World Team Championship under a neutral flag. This decision has sparked complaints from the European Chess Union (ECU), which argues that the move contravenes the guidelines approved at the sport’s 2024 General Assembly in Budapest.
While exemptions were granted for ‘vulnerable groups,’ such as underage players and individuals with disabilities, the ECU claimed these exceptions do not apply to full national teams. FIDE banned Russia and Belarus from team tournaments in March 2022 after the escalation of the Ukraine conflict, but allowed players from both countries to compete individually under neutral status. The recent decision marks a policy shift, with FIDE confirming that a Russian women’s team will be allowed to play in the upcoming championship in Linares under the FIDE flag and without national symbols.
The ECU, representing 54 national federations, urged FIDE to maintain sanctions, stating that the circumstances that led to the measures in 2022 had not changed and that team participation should remain suspended until the issues are fully resolved. FIDE defended its decision, stating that it aligns with International Olympic Committee (IOC) guidance and mirrors steps taken by other sports federations. The decision is also contingent on a non-objection letter from the IOC.
In response to the ECU’s objections, Russian Chess Federation Executive Director Aleksandr Tkachev criticized the reaction as predictable, arguing that it reaffirms Russia’s transfer to the Asian Chess Federation, where such issues do not arise and the principle of keeping politics out of sport is upheld. He further claimed that the backlash reflects the views of a minority of European officials, not the players, who continue to compete with Russians individually.
Russian officials have accused Western nations of politicizing sport and pressuring federations to exclude Russia’s sportsmen and sportswomen. Moscow has also claimed that Ukraine and its backers have influenced FIDE decisions, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the Russian Chess Federation and Western authorities.