Adult chess players from Russia and Belarus will continue to compete under neutral flag

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has concluded consultations with the International Olympic Committee and adopted a decision on the use of flags and anthems by Russians and Belarusians at senior competitions.

Source: FIDE's press service

Quote: "At adult competitions, players from Russia and Belarus shall compete under neutral symbols. The FIDE Council is authorised to approve these symbols and to make future decisions regarding the symbols to be used, taking into account additional consultations with the IOC as well as the practices of other IOC-recognised international federations."

Background:

• Earlier, the federation voted to allow the return of national symbols for players from the countries in question, but only at junior level.
• As for senior competitions, FIDE decided to hold consultations with the IOC and, based on their outcome, adopted the relevant decision.
• Meanwhile, the international organisation allowed Russians and Belarusians to take part in team competitions and also authorised tournaments to be held in Belarus under the auspices of FIDE.
• The Chess Federation of Ukraine, for its part, said it intends to file an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against this decision.

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