The Russian chess team will remain banned from international competitions, officials ruled.
In a dramatic move, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) voted to maintain sanctions on Russia and its ally Belarus at the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Congress in Budapest.
Both countries were kicked out of the federation after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
Supporters of the move say chess in Russia is controlled by Vladimir Putin and that Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov and others sit on the board of chess in Russia.
A majority of delegates in Budapest voted in favor of a motion calling for consultations with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on the possibility of lifting some restrictions for children and vulnerable groups.
However, bans on the Russian national team, officials, flag and anthem at international competitions will remain in place.
The final decision now rests with the Federation’s strategic body, the Faith Council, which is unlikely to overturn the vote.
Malcolm Payne, chairman of the British Chess Federation, told the BBC that the result was a “disastrous defeat” for Russia.
“There is no doubt that many delegates are concerned that the relationship between the governing body and the IOC will be affected if policy differences arise,” he said.
66 countries supported the motion, with 41 choosing the third option – that all restrictions should remain in place.
Only 21 countries voted to lift sanctions. In addition to Russia and Belarus, they include several former Soviet republics and other Russian allies in Africa and Asia.
The much-anticipated vote is seen as a test of the West’s resolve to keep up pressure on Russia in culture, sport and diplomacy.
Before the vote began, Ukraine called on delegates to reject proposals to lift sanctions.
“This is a victory for Ukraine,” Viktor Kapustin of the Ukrainian Chess Federation told the BBC.
“This vote means that Russia does not have as much support as they thought,” he added.
“Russia is the aggressor and the aggressor, and the aggressor must be punished in all areas of life, including sports. It is important to maintain the sanctions or even strengthen them. Let them admit their crimes.”
Russia said politics had no place in the chess game and urged other deputies to vote to lift all sanctions.
Kiev is supported by England, Scotland, Wales, the United States, France and many other Western countries. The International Olympic Committee, of which the International Federation is affiliated, also recommended that the organization abide by an earlier decision by the Olympic body to continue sports sanctions against Russia.
Following a full-scale invasion by Moscow in 2022, FIFA voted to ban the Russian national team and officials from the competition.
Last June, a FIDE committee imposed another sanction on the Chess Federation of Russia (CFR), excluding it for two years for “bringing chess into disrepute” and violating the international organization’s in principle.
The investigation found that the Russian Federation organized competitions in areas of Ukraine illegally occupied by Russian forces and condemned the Russian president of the International Federation of Information and Communications Technology for serving as a CFR board member.
Earlier this month the ban was reduced to a fine of 45,000 euros (£37,700) and the censure was lifted, a move criticized by Ukraine and its allies.
Former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who are under international sanctions, are also members of the CFR board.
