Chess Federation Faces Controversy Over Russian and Belarusian Participation
The chess community is embroiled in a heated debate regarding the potential admission of Russian and Belarusian players back into international competitions. This discussion was reignited by a proposal from Babur Tolbaev, the head of the Chess Federation of Kyrgyzstan, which will be addressed at the upcoming FIDE General Assembly in Budapest on September 21-22. If approved, this decision could set a precedent for other sports federations that currently restrict Russian participation, even under neutral status.
The Ukrainian Chess Federation has vehemently opposed this proposal, urging FIDE to remove it from the agenda. However, FIDE has confirmed that their letter will simply be included in the materials for delegates to review before the vote. Sergey Smagin, vice-president of the Russian Chess Federation, dismissed Ukrainian concerns, asserting that the decision will ultimately reflect the federations' independent strategies and visions for FIDE's future.
Magnus Carlsen's Controversial Remarks
Adding fuel to the fire, Magnus Carlsen, the 16th World Chess Champion, publicly opposed the reinstatement of Russian and Belarusian chess federations during his acceptance speech for a FIDE award. Carlsen emphasized his respect for former champion Garry Kasparov and expressed his belief that Kasparov would also advise against restoring the federations. This statement has drawn criticism from Russian chess officials, who suggest that Carlsen was pressured into his stance.
Grandmaster Sergey Shipov commented on Carlsen's position, suggesting that he has become a pawn in the political arena. Meanwhile, Anatoly Karpov, another former world champion, argued that Carlsen's remarks serve his interests by reducing competition from Russian players. Smagin also criticized Carlsen, pointing out that his views do not represent the broader chess community, which includes many players who support the return of Russian competitors.
