Victory for Ukraine at the FIDE Council in Budapest. The Kyrgyzstan Chess Federation proposal to restore the full rights of the Russian and Belarus Chess Federations is rejected, report Chessdom sources from the Chess Olympiad.
Under enormous international pressure, and after FIDE national federations receiving warning letters from IOC, ARISF and Western government agencies, the FIDE Council rejected the Russian / Kyrgyz proposal.
They are now suggesting that FIDE should consult the IOC to at least allow Russian disabled or junior teams to be excluded from the ban. It is hard to imagine the IOC would make such an exception in view of the recent image of the current FIDE administration, which is directly under Russian control.
ARISF Position on the situation in Russia and Belarus, and IOC Recommendations
A major part of the decision of the FIDE Council to reject the Russian / Kyrgyz proposal is pressure from IOC and the letter of ARISF to the German Chess Federation. ARISF is the Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations and it acts as a spokesperson to defend and coordinate the common interests of its members whilst maintaining their authority, independence and autonomy, determine the consensus of the member federations on questions of common interest in relation to the Olympic Movement and ensure the largest possible participation in the activities of the IOC.
The letter reads, “[…] We place great importance on […] the recommendations put forth by the IOC. The actions of Russia and Belarus have led to their exclusion from the Olympic movement. In response, ARISF fully supports the IOC’s position and remains committed to encouraging all member federations to strictly follow the IOC’s recommendations.”
Here is a copy of the letter sent to the German Chess Federation and its President Ingrid Lauterbach by ARISF Executive Advisor Marco Ienna.
What follows from the decision by the FIDE Council?
The decision of the FIDE Council to reject the Russian / Kyrgyz proposal was taken today in Budapest. It can still be discussed in the FIDE General Assembly, as the General Assembly is a higher body than the Council. The Advisory Board will also discuss the matter before the General Assembly.
Both decisions of Advisory Board and Council can be challenged in the General Assembly.
Reaction by the German Chess Federation
Germany was the first to react when the Russian / Kyrgyz proposal became public knowledge. Now they are at the forefront of the story again. “I think that this Russian / Kyrgyz proposal is absurd,” says Ingrid Lauterbach, President of the German Chess Federation, “I now hope that common sense will win.” Lauterbach has held talks with several European regional associations. She appeals to the FIDE Management Board to delete the item on the agenda. “If the Russian / Kyrgyz proposal is nevertheless submitted to the meeting, I urge you as a delegate to protect the interests of FIDE and vote against it,” she writes to 199 delegates. Lauterbach believes: “FIDE and chess otherwise be excluded internationally in the sports world.”
Possible proposal to include disabled athletes from Russia and Belarus
There are three options ahead for the Russian / Kyrgyz proposal:
1. Remove all restrictions imposed by the FIDE Council on Russian and Belarusian chess players (against FIDE Council decision and IOC/ARISF recommendation)
2. Not remove the suspension of Russian and Belarusian chess players (acknowledging the FIDE Council decision and following IOC/ARISF recommendation)
3. Mitigate the restrictions
The third option was discussed today at FIDE Council and between participants in the General Assembly. To mitigate the restrictions, there is a suggestion that FIDE should consult the IOC to at least allow Russian disabled or junior teams to be excluded from the ban. German Chess Federation takes a clear stance, “In our view, these proposals do not coincide with the attitude of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and also our attitude towards this war. Athletes from a country that leads a bloody war of aggression are not allowed to participate in international competitions with anthem and flag. Those athletes who support the war can be completely excluded – as the IOC has also done for the summer games and Paralympics in Paris.”
Stay tuned for details, developing story
The story so far
Aug 21 Kyrgyzstan Chess Federation submits resolution to restore the full membership rights of RCF
Aug 22 David Llada talks about systematically to reward submission
Sept 1 Alexander Kamyshin is the new President of Ukrainian Chess Federation
Sept 7 Babur Tolbaev is among the candidates for FIDE Ethics Commission chairman
Sept 9 Russia most probably has the votes to pass the Kyrgyz resolution
Sept 9 Kamyshin: I will personally attend the FIDE General Assembly
Sept 12 Garry Kasparov supports Alexander Kamyshin
Sept 12 Malcolm Pein for BBC, “Russia’s control of FIDE is absolute”
Sept 16 Vasyl Ivanchuk and the Olympic teams of Ukraine protest against Kyrgyz motion
Sept 17 FIDE Congress – national federations at risk of losing government funding
