On 15 December 2025, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) decided to allow Russian and Belarusian teams to participate in youth tournaments under their national flags and anthems, following recommendations from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The move restores full rights to young players from both countries after years of restrictions.
Details of the FIDE resolutions
During the FIDE General Assembly, delegates voted on two separate resolutions regarding Russian and Belarusian players. The first, submitted by the Russian Chess Federation, called for immediate restoration of national symbols across all competitions. The second, proposed by the FIDE Council, permits the use of flags and anthems only in youth and junior events while maintaining neutral symbols for adult team competitions. The Council’s resolution took immediate effect, allowing teams from both countries to re-enter official tournaments, including full display of national symbols in youth competitions, while restrictions on hosting FIDE events in Belarus have been lifted. FIDE will decide on national symbols in adult team tournaments after further consultations to align with international sporting standards and the IOC’s guidance.
Historical context and prior sanctions
FIDE first suspended Russian and Belarusian teams in March 2022 in response to the invasion of Ukraine, barring them from official tournaments and stripping Moscow of hosting rights for the 2022 Chess Olympiad. Initially, players were prohibited from competing even under neutral flags, and sponsorship contracts with Russian and Belarusian companies were terminated. By December 2022, FIDE allowed participation under neutral symbols, with the Russian women’s team entering the 2025 World Team Championship under the same conditions.
Political and strategic implications
The exclusion of Russian and Belarusian teams was not merely symbolic; it aimed to demonstrate that sport cannot be separated from politics in cases of major violations of international law. Sanctions on athletes served as a tool of pressure against governments using sports for propaganda. Moscow has consistently viewed sports as a means of international legitimacy. The return of national symbols for youth players provides the Kremlin with material for domestic and international messaging, portraying a sense of “normalisation” despite ongoing aggression in Ukraine.
Concerns over partial sanctions and international precedent
Allowing youth teams to display national symbols risks undermining the coherence of the international sanctions regime. Russia can use such exceptions to argue that isolation is ineffective, weakening trust in comprehensive measures. The decision may also set a precedent for other sports federations, encouraging relaxation of restrictions despite unresolved conflicts. Critics argue this could appear as a reward for countries continuing hostilities, causing frustration among nations adhering to international norms.
Influence of internal lobbying and financial factors
FIDE has traditionally had a strong Russian lobby, which has influenced key decisions. Dependence on funding from Russian sponsors creates potential conflicts of interest, where political and economic considerations may outweigh principled actions. The reinstatement of Russian teams appears as much a political and financial decision as a sporting one.
Broader reactions and potential impact
The reinstatement of Russian and Belarusian youth teams highlights the delicate balance between supporting young athletes and upholding international norms. While it allows emerging talent to compete, the move sends complex signals regarding accountability and the role of sport in geopolitical conflicts. Observers note that such decisions must carefully consider precedent and long-term implications for global sporting governance.
