Chess Governing Body Reinstates Teams From Russia and Belarus

Should chess remain apolitical, or did FIDE make the wrong call in reinstating teams from the two nations?

Published DEC 15 2025

Chess Governing Body Reinstates Teams From Russia and Belarus

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Above: Russian grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi competes for the 2023 World Chess Championship under a FIDE flag in Astana, Kazakhstan on April 9, 2023. Image credit: AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-Russia narrative

Russia welcomes and appreciates this decision from FIDE that allows its chess players to compete in international tournaments. It is a right step in restoring the principle that sports should remain depoliticized.

TASS

Pro-Ukraine narrative

This was the wrong decision by FIDE, particularly as many high-ranking members of Russia's Chess Federation have close ties to the government and openly support its war of aggression against Ukraine.

Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine on Telegram The Kyiv Independent