Filatov criticized FIDE's appeal to the IOC on Russian chess players

Andrey Filatov, President of the Russian Chess Federation (FSHR), said that the decision of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) to contact the International Olympic Committee for consultations on lifting sanctions against Russian national teams is regrettable. This became known on December 14th.

"My opinion as president of the Russian Football Federation is this: the issue of the full return of the national teams of Russia and Belarus was raised, the issue was discussed, a vote was held, and this topic was finally and irrevocably resolved. And an appeal to the IOC (International Olympic Committee. — Ed.) It's strange for consultations. Since the issue of the complete lifting of restrictions was considered first, the result is comprehensive and legitimate. And if FIDE has any questions, it would be correct not to delay [his decision] by consulting with the IOC, but to recognize the decision — to return the national teams of Russia and Belarus in their full rights," Filatov quotes TASS.

It is noted that the meeting of the FIDE General Assembly was held on Sunday in the format of a videoconference. 61 delegates voted for the lifting of all restrictions against Russian chess players, 51 against. After that, the majority of participants supported the admission of Russians to all competitions under a neutral flag. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich said that both results are valid and the organization will consult with the IOC.

"We regret that the FIDE president and the council are trying to postpone the decision through consultations with the IOC. We hope that the FIDE council will recognize the objective reality as soon as possible and officially announce the complete lifting of restrictions from the federations of Russia and Belarus," Filatov added.

Russian chess players were banned from team tournaments in 2022 due to the events in Ukraine. In January 2025, FIDE allowed the participation of youth and Paralympic teams in a neutral status. Russian athletes competed under the FIDE flag at the 2025 World Team Championship and became the winners of the tournament. In individual competitions, Russians continue to play under the FIDE flag.

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Earlier, on December 12, it was reported that FIDE proposed to allow Russian chess players to participate in team competitions under the auspices of the organization in a neutral status. In addition, it was proposed to lift restrictions on holding FIDE tournaments in Belarus.

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