Checkmate for Russia as global chess ban upheld

The Russian chess team has been officially banned from participating in international competitions, as decided by the International Chess Federation, known as Fide, during a significant meeting held in Budapest. This decision to uphold the ban on Russia and its ally, Belarus, comes in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Supporters of this ban argue that chess in Russia is heavily influenced by the government, particularly by President Vladimir Putin. Notably, individuals such as Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov are involved in the administration of chess within Russia. During the assembly, a majority of delegates voted in favor of discussing with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) the potential for easing some restrictions, particularly for children and vulnerable groups. However, the bans on the Russian national team, their flag, and their anthem in international competitions will remain firmly in place. The ultimate decision regarding these sanctions will be made by the Fide Council, which is not expected to reverse the outcome of the vote. Malcolm Pein, the head of the English Chess Federation, described the result as a 'crushing defeat' for Russia. He noted that many delegates were concerned about the implications of their decision on the relationship between Fide and the IOC. In total, sixty-six countries supported the motion to maintain the ban, while forty-one countries opted for a third option, advocating for all restrictions to remain intact. Only twenty-one countries voted in favor of lifting the sanctions. In addition to Russia and Belarus, several former Soviet republics and other Russian allies from Africa and Asia also supported the lifting of the ban. This highly anticipated vote was viewed as a crucial test of the resolve of Western nations to sustain pressure on Russia across various domains, including culture, sports, and diplomacy. Prior to the voting process, Ukraine urged delegates to reject any proposals aimed at lifting the sanctions. Viktor Kapustin, representing the Ukrainian Chess Federation, expressed that this outcome signifies a 'victory for Ukraine. ' He emphasized that the vote demonstrates that Russia lacks the level of support it had presumed. Kapustin further stated, 'Russia is an aggressor and invader, and the aggressor must be punished in all spheres of their life, including sport. It's important to keep the sanctions, or even strengthen them, for them to recognize their crimes. ' In contrast, Russia argued that politics should not interfere with chess and called on other representatives to vote in favor of lifting all sanctions. Ukraine's position was bolstered by support from countries such as England, Scotland, Wales, the United States, France, and numerous other Western nations. The IOC, which has a connection with Fide, also recommended that the organization adhere to a previous decision made by the Olympic body to maintain sanctions against Russia in sports. Following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Fide had voted to ban the Russian national team and officials from participating in competitions. Additionally, a Fide commission imposed sanctions on the Russian Chess Federation (CFR) last June, excluding it for two years due to 'bringing chess into disrepute' and violating the principles of the international organization. The commission found that the Russian federation had organized tournaments in regions of Ukraine that were illegally occupied by Russian forces and reprimanded Fide's Russian president for his involvement with the CFR board. Earlier this month, the ban was reduced to a fine of €45,000, approximately £37,700, and the reprimand was lifted, a decision that faced criticism from Ukraine and its allies. Notably, ex-defence minister Sergei Shoigu and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, both of whom are under international sanctions, are also members of the CFR board.