FIDE General Assembly Votes to Lift Sanctions on Russia and Belarus, Allowing Return to International Chess

FIDE General Assembly Reverses Sanctions on Russia and Belarus

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) General Assembly, convened digitally on December 14, 2025, has voted to lift the sanctions previously imposed on the national chess federations of Russia and Belarus. This decision marks a significant shift from the restrictions put in place following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The initial sanctions, enacted in March 2022, prohibited Russian and Belarusian national teams from participating in FIDE events and banned the display of their national flags and anthems. Individual players from these countries were permitted to compete under a neutral flag.

Dual Resolutions and Complex Outcome

During the online assembly, delegates considered and voted on two distinct resolutions concerning the status of Russian and Belarusian chess players. The first resolution, proposed by the Chess Federation of Russia, garnered 61 votes in favor, 51 against, with 14 abstentions and 15 delegates not participating. This resolution sought a full reinstatement, including the use of national symbols in all competitions.

A second, more 'watered-down' resolution, put forward by the FIDE Council, also passed with 69 votes in favor, 40 against, 15 abstentions, and 17 delegates not participating. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich acknowledged the validity of both decisions, stating that the FIDE Council would proceed with the points of consensus in line with International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommendations.

Immediate and Future Implications

As a direct result of the General Assembly's vote, teams from Russia and Belarus are now eligible to participate in official FIDE tournaments. Specifically, the full use of national symbols, including flags and anthems, will be permitted in youth and junior competitions. This aligns with recent recommendations from the IOC regarding youth athletes. Furthermore, restrictions on hosting official FIDE events in Belarus have been lifted.

However, the status of national symbols for adult team events remains under review. The FIDE Council is set to make a final determination on this matter after further consultations with the IOC, aiming to ensure alignment with international sports standards. Russian teams are expected to begin participating in team events starting in 2026.

Mixed Reactions from the Chess Community

The decision has been met with a divided response across the global chess community. The Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Chess Federation strongly urged FIDE not to reinstate the teams, emphasizing that the conditions which led to the initial sanctions 'remain unchanged' and that the leadership of the Russian Chess Federation openly supports the war.

Similarly, the Norwegian Chess Federation and the Nordic Chess Federation called on delegates to vote against lifting the sanctions, arguing that no new circumstances justified the change and that FIDE should adhere to IOC guidelines which generally advise against national team participation. Conversely, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov welcomed FIDE's decision, describing it as 'the right step towards the depoliticization of sports'. The outcome has been characterized by some as leading to 'procedural confusion and deep moral division'.