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FIDE has suspended the membership of the Russian Chess Federation

FIDE has suspended the membership of the Russian Chess Federation

11 June 2026, 17:36

FIDE has suspended the membership of the Russian Chess Federation — FIDE

The Council of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) has temporarily suspended the membership of the Russian Chess Federation.

This is stated on the FIDE website.

This decision was taken because Russia failed to comply with the ruling of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The story dates back to 2024. At that time, following a complaint by the Ukrainian Chess Federation, the Russian Chess Federation was suspended from FIDE membership for two years due to its activities in the occupied Ukrainian territories.

Russia appealed against this decision, and FIDE replaced the suspension with a fine of €45,000. However, Ukraine lodged an appeal.

Ultimately, CAS ruled in Ukraine’s favour. The court decided that the actions of the Russian Chess Federation threatened Ukraine’s territorial integrity and violated FIDE rules. CAS also ruled that the fine was insufficient and ordered the Russian organisation to cease activities in the occupied territories within 90 days. Should this not occur, the court threatened to expel the organisation from FIDE for up to three years. The deadline for complying with this decision expired on 9 June.

A statement from FIDE states that the sanctions apply only to the Russian Chess Federation and do not restrict chess players — meaning they can still qualify for competitions.

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