FIDE Stands Firm: Sanctions Against Russia and Belarus Remain

Despite proposals to lift restrictions for children under 12 and players with disabilities, a majority of delegates voted to maintain the current sanctions. The decision, seen as a major setback for Russia and Belarus, highlights FIDE's commitment to aligning with international norms and its solidarity with Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict.

The vote took place during FIDE’s General Assembly in Budapest, where representatives from 66 countries debated the future of the sanctions imposed in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The proposal to remove all restrictions was brought forward by the Kyrgyz Chess Federation but garnered support from only 21 delegates, while 41 voted to maintain sanctions and 11 abstained. Many delegates expressed concerns about diverging from the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) stance, which has been firmly in favor of maintaining sanctions.

Malcolm Pein, representing England, called the vote a “crushing defeat” for Russia. He emphasized the importance of upholding FIDE’s relationship with the IOC and respecting the international community’s position on the war. Pein’s remarks, which drew applause, pointed out the irony of Russian representatives speaking against "discrimination" while their country’s military actions have violated the most fundamental rights of Ukrainians.

The debate over sanctions also sparked heated exchanges between the Russian and Ukrainian delegates. The Ukrainian representative, Viktor Kapustin, passionately defended the sanctions, citing the loss of 34 Ukrainian chess players and officials due to Russian aggression. He urged FIDE not to reconsider the issue until the IOC changes its recommendations. Meanwhile, the Russian delegation, supported by Kyrgyzstan, argued that chess players should not suffer because of their governments’ actions, calling the sanctions “unethical.”

The General Assembly also addressed other matters, such as the election of Yolander Persaud from Guyana as the new chair of the Ethics and Disciplinary Commission, and the admission of Greenland as a new FIDE member. Despite the pressure from Russia, FIDE’s decision to maintain sanctions underscores its adherence to international standards and its commitment to protecting the integrity of the chess community.