The International Chess Federation has reportedly reversed sanctions and will allow the Russian women’s team compete in 2025 under a neutral flag
The European Chess Union (ECU) has objected to a decision by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) to reinstate the Russian women’s team under a neutral flag at the 2025 World Team Championship in Spain this November. The ECU is arguing the move contravenes sanctions 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 said these did 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 move 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.
“This decision directly contradicts the most recent decisions of the FIDE General Assembly taken in Budapest,” the European chess body claimed.
The ECU, which represents 54 national federations, urged FIDE to maintain sanctions, claiming that the circumstances that prompted the measures in 2022 had not changed and that team participation should remain suspended until the issues are “fully resolved.”
FIDE said its decision aligns with International Olympic Committee (IOC) guidance, mirrors steps by other sports federations, builds on a January 2025 precedent permitting neutral teams of vulnerable groups, and remains contingent on a non-objection letter from the IOC.
Responding to the criticism, Russian Chess Federation Executive Director Aleksandr Tkachev called the reaction predictable and said it reaffirmed 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 argued the backlash reflects views of “a minority of European officials,” not 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.
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