FIDE allows Russian, Belarusian youth compete under national symbols

(MENAFN) The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has voted to allow Russian and Belarusian youth players to compete under their national symbols, following recommendations from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The decision was made during FIDE’s general assembly, which passed two resolutions—one proposed by Russia’s Chess Federation and another by the FIDE Council—during an online meeting on Sunday.

Both resolutions referenced recent IOC guidance on athletes from Russia and Belarus, though they differ on technical details regarding the use of national symbols in adult team competitions. The Russian Chess Federation’s resolution called for an immediate reinstatement of flags and anthems for both countries across all competitions.

FIDE stated that its council will implement the points of consensus from both resolutions immediately, in line with IOC recommendations and recent guidance from the Olympic Summit on political neutrality and access to sport. The council’s resolution will serve as the operational baseline while respecting the validity of both votes.

As a result, Russian and Belarusian teams will now be admitted to their tournaments, restrictions on hosting FIDE events in Belarus have been lifted, and national symbols will be allowed in youth and junior competitions. For adult events, FIDE will consult with the IOC to resolve remaining differences regarding the use of flags and anthems.

Russian and Belarusian athletes have faced broad bans from major international sporting events since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. FIDE had suspended both countries from official tournaments in March 2022, following IOC recommendations.

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