Ukrainian chess players call on FIDE not to return dew to international competitions
16 September 2024 16:43
Ukrainian chess players currently competing at the Chess Olympiad have written a letter to the FIDE International Chess Federation calling on it to abandon the idea of Russian and Belarusian athletes returning to international competitions. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian"
Full text of the letter
To our esteemed colleagues,
We, the undersigned members of the Ukrainian Olympic chess teams, are writing to you with a heavy heart and a deep sense of urgency in connection with the upcoming FIDE General Assembly scheduled for 21-22 September in Budapest.
As you know, the Assembly will consider the possibility of lifting sanctions against the Russian and Belarusian chess federations. We believe that the discussion of this issue is not only premature, but also deeply immoral given the current circumstances affecting our homeland and the international community.
Our concerns
Humanitarian crisis. The ongoing conflict has led to significant suffering for many individuals and families in Ukraine. Recognising federations that support aggression is contrary to the values of our sport.
Solidarity and ethics. Chess is a game based on the principles of fairness and respect, and should not be associated with organisations that support violence and oppression.
Impact on players. A decision to lift sanctions could strengthen aggressors and undermine the safety and integrity of players from affected countries, including Ukraine.
Our call
In light of these concerns, we respectfully urge you to:
Oppose the discussion. Please put pressure on your national federations to ensure that this issue is not even on the agenda for discussion.
Stand in solidarity. Support the Ukrainian chess community and those affected by the conflict.
Promote peace. Let us collectively uphold the values of peace, honesty and respect in our chess community.
Conclusion
Together we can stand up for what is right. The chess community has always been united in unity and strength, and now is the time to demonstrate this solidarity. We trust that you will join us in supporting this movement and defending the principles we believe in.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
The letter was signed by Ukrainian top players who are currently representing the Ukrainian national team at the Chess Olympiad 2024: Alexander Beliavsky, Mikhail Brodsky, Natalia Buksa, Evgenia Dolukhanova, Inna Gaponenko, Vasily Ivanchuk, Anton Korobov, Vladimir Onishchuk, Julia Osmak, Ruslan Ponomarev, Anna Ushenina, Andrey Volokitin, Natalia Zhukova.
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Background
After the full-scale Russian invasion and until now, Russian chess players have been only conditionally suspended from competitions – they competed without the Russian flag in a “neutral status”. Only the ex-Ukrainian chess player Sergey Karyakin, who publicly supported the war against Ukraine, was completely suspended from the competition.
However, on 8 June this year, the Russian Chess Federation (RCF) was “temporarily deprived of its membership in FIDE”. This decision was made because the Russian Chess Federation was in constant contact with sanctioned persons, organised tournaments in the occupied territories and generally violated the principles of political neutrality.
“Deprivation of membership” is temporary – only for two years. In addition, it only means that the FSD has no right to participate in FIDE events as an organisation. However, Russian athletes, coaches, clubs and arbitrators are entitled to participate in these events. In addition, it was clarified that this “suspension of membership” can be cancelled if the Russian Federation repents, changes its leadership and ceases its activities in the occupied territories.
This decision was made by the FIDE Ethics Commission.
apparently, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich himself was also “dealt a blow”, as he is also the President of the Swiss Federal Republic.
The above communiqué shows that FIDE did not comment on the decision of its own Commission, as it was waiting for the results of the appeal, apparently filed by Russia and Dvorkovich. And these results were not long in coming – the appellate court overturned the decision of the Ethics Commission.
The FIDE General Assembly is scheduled to consider the appeal of the Russian and Belarusian Federations to lift all sanctions against them on 21-22 September in Budapest.
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