Archive · 15 Dec 2025
FIDE Allows Russia, Belarus Back in Chess
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has decided to let teams from Russia and Belarus play in official chess competitions again.
They voted on two plans: one from Russia and one from FIDE's leaders.
Both plans followed advice from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The votes passed, so now Russian and Belarusian teams can compete, and young players can use their national flags and anthems.
However, adult teams still can't use their flags and anthems in competitions until FIDE talks more with the IOC.
This change happened because many sports have been restricting Russian and Belarusian athletes since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
FIDE voted to allow Russia and Belarus back into official chess competitions.
Two resolutions were adopted, one by the Russian Chess Federation and one by the FIDE Council, both referencing IOC recommendations.
Teams from Russia and Belarus are now admitted to official FIDE tournaments, and restrictions on staging events in Belarus have been lifted.
Full use of national symbols is permitted in youth and junior competitions.
The use of national flags and anthems in adult team events is still under consultation with the IOC.
- Who
- FIDE, Russian Chess Federation, FIDE Council, IOC
- What
- FIDE voted to allow Russia and Belarus back into official chess competitions with certain conditions
- When
- The decision was made during an online meeting of the FIDE General Assembly late on Sunday
- Where
- The meeting was held online
- Why
- The decision was based on recommendations by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on access to sport and political neutrality
- Organizations Involved
- FIDE, Russian Chess Federation, FIDE Council, IOC
- Votes for Russian Proposal
- 61
- Votes against Russian Proposal
- 51
- Abstentions for Russian Proposal
- 14
- Votes for FIDE Council Proposal
- 69
- Votes against FIDE Council Proposal
- 40
- Abstentions for FIDE Council Proposal
- 15
- Key Issue
- Use of national flags and anthems in adult team events