On December 14, 2025, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) General Assembly, held online, voted to partially lift restrictions on Russian and Belarusian chess players and teams, aligning with recent International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommendations. The decision permits Russian and Belarusian youth and junior players to compete under their national flags and anthems in youth competitions, reinstates national teams in official FIDE tournaments, and removes bans on hosting events in Belarus. However, the use of national symbols in adult team events remains pending further consultation with the IOC.
The assembly considered two separate resolutions. The first, proposed by the Russian Chess Federation, advocated for the immediate full restoration of national symbols (flags and anthems) across all competitions for both countries. It passed with 61 votes in favor, 51 against, 14 abstentions, and 15 delegates not voting. The second resolution, from the FIDE Council, supported reinstating teams and allowing national symbols specifically in youth and junior events, while requiring neutral status for adult events until IOC consultations are complete. This passed with a wider margin: 69 in favor, 40 against, 15 abstentions, and 17 not voting.
To reconcile the overlapping but differing resolutions, the FIDE Council declared its proposal as the immediate "baseline" for operations. Key outcomes include: admission of Russian and Belarusian teams to official tournaments; lifting restrictions on hosting FIDE events in Belarus; and full use of national symbols in youth and junior competitions, directly referencing IOC guidance that youth athletes should not face restrictions based on government actions.
This shift follows updated IOC recommendations from the Olympic Summit on December 11, 2025, which stated that "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," including standard protocols for flags, anthems, and uniforms. The IOC emphasized that young athletes should not be penalized for political issues and recommended these principles for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games and adoption by all international federations.
The original sanctions stemmed from Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with Belarus as a key ally. In March 2022, FIDE suspended Russian and Belarusian national teams from official tournaments and banned events in both countries, citing IOC recommendations at the time. Individual players were allowed to compete under the neutral FIDE flag. Over the years, gradual easings occurred, such as allowing certain teams under neutral status in 2025.
Reactions to the decision varied. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov welcomed it as a step toward depoliticizing sports. Ukrainian officials and chess bodies, including the Ukrainian Chess Federation and Ministry of Youth and Sports, had urged FIDE against reinstatement prior to the vote, viewing it as premature amid ongoing conflict. Some delegates and observers criticized the process, noting procedural concerns and the influence of geopolitical factors in chess governance.
The decision reflects broader trends in international sports, where the IOC has sought to balance sanctions on state actors with access for individual athletes, particularly youth. Other federations, such as those in gymnastics, aquatics, fencing, rowing, and equestrian sports, have similarly adjusted policies. For chess, this could impact upcoming youth events, allowing fuller participation while adult restrictions persist.
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich and the Council emphasized alignment with Olympic principles of neutrality and non-discrimination against athletes. The final protocol for adult symbols awaits IOC input, ensuring compliance with evolving international standards.
This development underscores chess's role as a global, inclusive sport amid complex geopolitical tensions, with FIDE navigating pressures from member federations worldwide.
