Archive · 24 Jul 2025
FIDE Decision on Russian Chess Team Sparks Controversy
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) decided to let a team of Russian chess players compete in the 2025 Women's World Team Championship.
This decision is similar to what some other sports are doing.
The team will play without using any Russian symbols.
However, the European Chess Union (ECU) is not happy about this because they think the Russian team should still be banned.
The ECU points out that FIDE members previously voted against lifting restrictions on Russia.
The ECU wants the restrictions to stay until things change.
FIDE approved a Russian team's participation in the 2025 Women's World Team Championship.
The team will compete under the FIDE flag, without national symbols.
The decision aligns with IOC guidance and precedents set by other sports federations.
The European Chess Union (ECU) opposes the decision, citing previous FIDE assembly votes.
The ECU believes sanctions against Russian teams should remain in place.
- Who
- FIDE and the European Chess Union are involved, along with a team of athletes of Russian nationality.
- What
- FIDE approved a Russian team's participation in the Women's World Team Championship.
- When
- The decision was made at the July 18, 2025, FIDE Council Meeting.
- Where
- The 2025 Women's World Team Championship will be in Linares, Spain.
- Why
- FIDE followed IOC guidance and precedents set by other international sports federations.
ECU's Position
FIDE's Position
Team Participation
ECU's Position
Sanctions against Russian teams should remain in place.
FIDE's Position
Russian teams should be allowed to compete under the FIDE flag.
- Event
- 2025 Women's World Team Championship
- Location
- Linares, Spain
- Decision Maker
- FIDE
- FIDE Council Meeting
- July 18, 2025
- ECU Stance
- Opposes Russian team participation
- Russian Team Status
- Allowed to compete under FIDE flag