The World Chess Federation, FIDE, has firmly maintained its suspension of Russia and Belarus from competitive chess events. During the recent General Assembly, a proposal from Kyrgyzstan to readmit these nations was not brought to a vote, as the FIDE Council found no compelling reasons to support their return.
Since the suspension, players from these countries have only participated in tournaments under the FIDE flag. Notable figures in the chess community, including former world champion Magnus Carlsen and the German Chess Association, have expressed strong opposition to any unconditional reinstatement.
In a significant development, FIDE is now contemplating allowing players under the age of 12 or those with disabilities to compete again, pending discussions with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).
This potential policy shift indicates a nuanced approach to inclusivity while still upholding the suspension of senior players from Russia and Belarus, which was enacted in response to the geopolitical tensions following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The chess world remains divided on this issue, as the integrity of the sport is weighed against the principles of inclusion and fairness.
