Chess Body Welcomes Russia Back as Missiles Fly, Sparking Player Fury and Court Battle

The global chess federation, FIDE, has voted to allow Russian players to compete under their national flag again. This decision comes while Russia’s war in Ukraine continues. Ukrainian Grandmaster Anna Muzychuk said the move made her “feel disgusted.” She and other Ukrainian players must now face competitors representing Russia in official events. Chess is one of only six international sports to ease sanctions on Russia. Out of 108 Olympic sports federations, 102 still ban Russian symbols. The chess federations of Ukraine, England, and Norway are taking legal action against FIDE. They argue the decision violates the federation’s own rules against supporting wars of aggression. FIDE’s president, a former Russian deputy minister, stated the move promotes “peace and unity.” The ruling allows Russians to display their flag and anthem at events starting in 2025.