The International Chess Federation has admitted the Russian national team to the World Championship
22 July 09:50
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has decided to allow the Russian women’s national team to participate in the 2025 World Team Chess Championship. This is stated in an official statement published on the organization’s website, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
However, participation is allowed in a “neutral” status – without a flag, anthem, or any mention of state affiliation. This format of participation has been in place for athletes from Russia and Belarus since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Until now, “neutrals” were only allowed to participate in individual tournaments, while team tournaments were closed to them.
The conditions of participation are without national symbols and in agreement with the IOC
In order for the Russian team to compete, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) needs to officially confirm that there are no objections. If this is granted, Russian chess players will be able to play under the FIDE emblem.
This decision was made on the basis of the January 2025 FIDE resolution, which opened up the possibility of participation in team tournaments for young people, athletes with disabilities and “neutral” chess players. The key requirement is the complete absence of any national identification.
Controversial decision amid sanctions against Russia
In June 2024, Russia itself was temporarily expelled from FIDE, and its citizen Arkady Dvorkovich, the current FIDE president and former deputy prime minister of the Russian Federation, was sanctioned. Despite this, he is still the head of the federation and was re-elected in 2022.
The decision to allow the Russian national team to participate in the team championship contradicts the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee. Their official documents, in particular the 2023 guidelines, clearly state that “neutral” athletes can only compete in individual disciplines.
FIDE justifies itself: “There are precedents in other sports”
In its position, FIDE refers to similar actions of other international sports federations, in particular, in aquatics (World Aquatics), fencing (FIE) and gymnastics (FIG).
These federations have already allowed the participation of athletes from the Russian Federation in team competitions under the condition of “neutrality.”
The FIDE also refers to the instructions of the International Olympic Committee. However, its recommendations of 2023 state that “neutral” athletes can only participate in individual competitions.
