FIDE lifts restrictions on Belarusian chess federation

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has lifted all remaining restrictions on the Belarus Chess Federation with immediate effect, allowing the country's players and official teams to compete under the national flag.

FIDE said the decision follows a recommendation adopted by the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at its meeting on May 6–7, 2026, which no longer advises restrictions on the participation of Belarusian athletes, including national teams, in competitions organised by international sports federations and event organisers.

The IOC also reaffirmed its position that athletes' participation in international sport should not be restricted because of the actions of their governments.

In line with the IOC's recommendation, the FIDE Council removed all limitations previously imposed on the Belarus Chess Federation.

Belarusian players and official teams will therefore compete under the national flag at FIDE events. The first major tournaments at which Belarus will participate under its own flag will be the FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities 2026 and the FIDE Chess Olympiad 2026, both due to be held in September in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

By Aghakazim Guliyev