Young Russian and Belarusian chess players will now be able to compete under their national flags.
That is after the International Chess Federation (FIDE) General Assembly approved measures to lift partially restrictions imposed in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
FIDE ruled yesterday: “Youth athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport should no longer be restricted in their access to international youth competitions, in both individual and team sports.
“In addition, the standard protocols of the IF [International Federations] or the International Sports Event Organiser regarding flags, anthems, uniforms and other elements should apply, provided that the national sports organisation concerned is in good standing.”
The General Assembly voted online on two competing resolutions: One from the Russian Chess Federation pushing for the full reinstatement of national symbols and another from the FIDE Council aligning with recent International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommendations.
In a split decision, both resolutions passed — 61-51 with 14 abstentions and 15 not voting for the Russian proposal, and 69-40 with 15 abstentions and 17 not voting for the FIDE Council version — reflecting deep divisions within the chess community.
The FIDE Council proposal serves as the immediate baseline.
FIDE General Assembly mandates the return of all teams and fully restores the rights of youth players in line with IOC recommendations; FIDE Council to finalise protocols for adult teams following IOC consultation.
Read more: https://t.co/3ExvH9M1VB pic.twitter.com/rNLoRb8bVh
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) December 14, 2025
Russia applauded the changes, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov describing them as a positive step.
“We welcome the decision of the General Assembly of the International Chess Federation to allow our athletes and our chess teams to participate in international competitions under the national flag and anthem.
“We deeply appreciate this decision made following the vote of the General Assembly,” Peskov, who is also the chairman of the Russian Chess Federation’s (RCF) Board of Trustees, told journalists.
“We believe that it was the right step towards the depoliticisation of sports, especially in such field as chess.
“And we hope that this decision of the international federation reflects it in full. Other interpretations of fair voting may only provoke our disappointment,” he concluded
This decision follows an IOC recommendation from December 11 stating that youth athletes from Russia and Belarus should no longer face restrictions in international youth competitions, including the use of national flags and anthems.
Ukraine’s Chess Federation and Ministry of Youth and Sports had urged FIDE to maintain the restrictions, emphasising “that Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine continues, resulting in thousands of civilian deaths and millions of displaced people”.
“Meanwhile, the leadership of the Russian Chess Federation and associated public figures openly support the policies of the Russian government and the war, which Ukraine argues contradicts the fundamental principles and values of FIDE and the international sports movement,” it said.
Ukraine stressed that “circumstances that led to these decisions remain unchanged “.
The changes by FIDE will apply to upcoming events, including the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
In early 2022, FIDE initially allowed Russian and Belarusian chess players to compete internationally under a neutral status but banned both countries from hosting events. Soon after, FIDE barred their national teams from all competitions.
In June 2024, the RCF was suspended for two years due to its inclusion of associations from Russia’s newly annexed territories. It appealed, demanding the reinstatement of its flag and anthem and in September 2024 the suspension was overturned on appeal.
By July 2025, FIDE permitted the Russian women’s team to compete under its banner in the World Team Championship, despite opposition from the European Chess Union. The team went on to win the tournament.
On the issue of national symbols in adult competitions, the FIDE Council will follow the mandate set out in its resolution by consulting with the IOC.
After these discussions, it will make a final decision to ensure compliance with international sports standards and IOC guidelines.
Ahead of FIDE, on December 11, the IOC pivoted in a more Russian friendly way, by advising governing bodies to let the countries’ teams and athletes compete in international youth events with their full identity of national flag and anthem.
Athletes have “a fundamental right to access sport across the world, and to compete free from political interference or pressure from governmental organisations,” the IOC said in a statement.
Russians are gloating about being readmitted back into the Olympics by the repugnant #InternationalOlympicsCommittee
“The IOC lifted the restrictions on our athletes. This is a stunning victory for Putin and his deep pockets to bribe people into his world.
The IOC Executive… pic.twitter.com/qMzPO4zKKF
— Beefeater (@Beefeater_Fella) December 13, 2025
