Chess Grand Master Faces a Major Setback After Controversial Statement on Russia and Ukraine?s Conflict

Every international sport is going through the consequences of the ongoing European crisis, including chess. Russia has been one of the strongest chess-playing nations in the world and as long as Russian Grand Masters are out of the game, it will no longer be the same. Notably, while the International Chess Federation (FIDE) has already banned the Russian Grand Master, they now released another statement yesterday.

The second leg of the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour has begun, and the organizers renamed the tournament as the Charity Cup. The goal of the tournament is to raise funds to help the people of Ukraine. However, the chess community right now is going through a bit of tension itself amidst these challenging times.

Grand Master Sergey Karjakin banned from chess for six months

As per the reports, FIDE has banned Russian Grand Master Sergey Karjakin from chess for six months. The decision came after Karjakin sparked widespread criticism because of his statements on the political crisis happening in Europe currently. However, the 32-year-old Russian Grand Master is in no mood to appeal to the Chess Federation.

He said, “I understood that there was such a danger [of disqualification], but I believe that I am first and foremost a citizen and patriot of my country, and I say this without any boasting. If such a situation arose again, I would not keep my mouth shut. I do not regret a bit what I did. Choosing between supporting my country and participating in the Candidates Tournament, I would always choose the first one.”

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The ban means he’ll not play the Candidates tournament

Sergey Karjakin has challenged World No. 1, Magnus Carlsen, for the world championship title previously in 2016. Since his ban is for six months, it means that he’ll not be appearing in the 2022 Candidates tournament, scheduled to be held in France this June. Keeping in mind his career, the Russian Chess Federation we’ll be appealing the FIDE’s decision.

RCF President, Andrey Filatov, said, “We will file an appeal in the near future and lodge a complaint against the decision to ban Serget [sic] Karjakin from participating in the FIDE events for six months. Chess Federation of Russia is against discrimination of athletes on any criteria and will fight for their rights.”

What are your thoughts on FIDE’s decision?

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