FIDE Upholds Ban on Russian and Belarusian Chess Teams

The International Chess Federation maintains sanctions but considers easing restrictions for disabled and junior players.

The FIDE general assembly voted to uphold the ban on Russian and Belarusian chess teams imposed after the 2022 Ukraine invasion.
A proposal to consult the IOC on allowing disabled and junior players from Russia and Belarus to compete was approved.
Sixty-six countries supported the motion to maintain the ban, while 21 countries voted to lift all sanctions.
Russian and Belarusian players can still participate in international events under a neutral flag, following IOC guidelines.
The decision was seen as a victory for Ukraine, which had urged FIDE to maintain the sanctions to hold Russia accountable.