Kremlin Asks FIDE To Stay Away From Politics, Demands 6 Month Suspension For Sergey Karjakin To Be Removed

JAKARTA - Russia is demanding the International Chess Federation (FIDE) lift the six-month suspension imposed on Russian grandmaster Sergey Karjakin for his statements defending Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The 32-year-old chess player who challenged Magnus Carlsen for the world title in 2016 defended his country's actions via social media in recent weeks, which drew strong criticism from the chess world.

"Sergey Karjakin was found guilty of violating article 2.2.10 of the FIDE Code of Conduct, and was subject to a six-month ban from participating as a player in a FIDE rated chess competition, effective from the date of this decision, 21 March 2022," FIDE said as quoted by Reuters.

"Sergey Karjakin's remarks about the ongoing military conflict in Ukraine have sparked a strong reaction on social media and elsewhere that is largely negative."

The Crimean-born chess player who represented Ukraine until 2009 commented, "A FIDE's predictable decision is nothing short of disgraceful. All sports selections have been trampled on, the basic principle that sport stays away from politics has been trampled on."

The ban leaves Karjakin doubtful for the Candidates Tournament which starts June 16. He could appeal within 21 days.

"FIDE embarrassed themselves, not me," Karjakin added in Telegram.

"And most importantly, above all I am a patriot for my country and secondly I am an athlete. If I think back to the situation when I supported the president, the people and the Russian army, I will do the same! I have absolutely no regrets."

Another Russian grandmaster, Sergei Shipov, was not penalized for his pro-Russian comments because FIDE found Shipov's comments to be less provocative than Karjakin's.

FIDE previously removed Moscow from hosting the Chess Olympiad and the FIDE Congress later this year.

FIDE also banned Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing in tournaments using their national flags.