FIDE Allows Russian Women to Participate in the 2025 World Team Chess Championship in Neutral Status
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has made a controversial and significant decision regarding the reinstatement of Russian female players onto the global chess scene.
According to the new ruling, the Russian women's team will have the opportunity to compete in the 2025 World Team Chess Championship, scheduled to take place in Spain, but only under a neutral status.
This means that Russian players can participate under the FIDE banner without any official affiliation with Russia but must confirm absence of claims from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The move aligns with IOC recommendations on allowing athletes from sanctioned countries to compete neutrally.
FIDE stated that this approach is similar to decisions made in aquatic sports, fencing, and gymnastics, where Russian athletes are also participating neutrally.
Previously, the federation had permitted Russian youth and para-sport teams to compete internationally.
However, this decision has sparked a wave of criticism and mixed reactions, especially against the backdrop of the ongoing political tensions involving Russia.
Notably, since 2018, FIDE has been led by Russian Arkady Dvorkovich, who formerly served as Russia's deputy prime minister.
Recent organizational policy changes, including the lifting of a two-year suspension and the imposition of a fine on the Russian Chess Federation, have further fueled debates about the federation's neutrality and independence.
Ukraine had previously initiated a case against FIDE, accusing the organization and Dvorkovich of links with sanctioned individuals and organizing tournaments in occupied territories.
Controversy escalated when the FIDE president shook hands with a militant of the so-called DNR, adding to the contentious reputation of the federation.