International Chess Federation suspends Belarus, Russia from FIDE tournaments

March 16, BPN. The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has announced the suspension of the national teams of Belarus and Russia from official FIDE tournaments “until further notice,” following recommendations from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Belarusians and Russians will be able to compete in individual tournaments of the FIDE World Championships cycle under the FIDE flag.

Previously, the International Tennis Federation also announced the suspension of Belarusian and Russian national teams from its tournaments.

On February 28, the IOC Executive Board recommended that athletes and officials from Belarus and Russia should be excluded from international competitions. The IOC said it protected “the integrity of global sports competitions and for the safety of all the participants.”

Officials and athletes from Russia or Belarus can be “accepted only as neutral athletes or neutral teams.” The use of national symbols, flags or anthems is not allowed.

The IOC Executive Board issued a recommendation on
25 February 2022 against organizing any sports events in Russia or Belarus.