The International Chess Federation voted on Sunday to allow teams from Russia and Belarus back into official competitions, restoring full rights for youth players while deferring a final decision on the use of national flags and anthems in adult team events.
Meeting online late on Sunday, the FIDE General Assembly adopted two separate resolutions, one proposed by the Russian Chess Federation and another by the FIDE Council, both referencing recent guidance from the International Olympic Committee on access to sport and political neutrality.
The resolution put forward by the Russian Federation, which called for the immediate restoration of national symbols across competitions, was narrowly approved by 61 votes to 51, with 14 abstentions. A second resolution proposed by the FIDE Council passed by a wider margin, receiving 69 votes in favour, 40 against and 15 abstentions.
Following the votes, FIDE said the Council would immediately implement areas of agreement between the two texts in line with IOC recommendations. As a result, teams from Russia and Belarus are now admitted to official FIDE tournaments, restrictions on hosting events in Belarus have been lifted, and national symbols will be fully permitted in youth and junior competitions.
The status of adult team events remains unresolved. Under the Council resolution, adult teams from Russia and Belarus must continue to compete under neutral symbols, with the use of flags and anthems postponed pending further consultation with the IOC.
The Russian Federation’s proposal had sought the immediate reinstatement of national flags and anthems in all competitions, a position that did not gain full consensus within the Assembly.
FIDE confirmed that further discussions with the IOC will take place before a final decision is taken on adult team events. “The Council will make a final determination on the use of flags and anthems in adult team events following these consultations to ensure alignment with international sports standards and the IOC,” the federation said in a statement.
Athletes from Russia and Belarus were barred or restricted in many international sports following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with the IOC issuing updated guidance in recent months, particularly relating to youth participation.
