Approval granted for Russia's departure from leading European sports organization
The World Chess Federation (FIDE) has granted approval for Russia's transition to Asia following a formal request from Moscow. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Russia will become part of the Asian Chess Federation if accepted, the international body has ruled.
Russia has the option to exit the European Chess Union and join the Asian Chess Federation, pending approval from the latter organization, as stated by FIDE, the international governing body of chess, on Wednesday. This declaration follows a request from the Chess Federation of Russia.
The Asian Chess Federation is anticipated to deliberate on Russia’s request during its General Assembly, scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on February 28. The Russian delegation will be headed by Andrey Filatov, the president of the CFR, according to national media reports.
Should the ACF accept Russia, FIDE clarified that the country would automatically withdraw from the ECU. The governing body noted that a chess federation can't be a member of two continental organizations simultaneously. Moreover, FIDE revealed that Russia would be designated as part of the Asian region starting May 1, if its membership is approved by the ACF.
FIDE also confirmed that Russian chess players who wish to transition to other federations amid these potential changes can do so immediately and without any fees. These players would have the option to return to the CFR under the same conditions at a later time.
In March 2022, FIDE permitted chess players from Russia and Belarus to participate in international tournaments, albeit under neutral status.
The ACF currently comprises 54 national federations, including notable chess countries like China, India, and Uzbekistan.
FIDE’s announcement comes just ahead of a world title match between Russian grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi and Chinese competitor Ding Liren. Nepomniachtchi is ranked third globally, while Ding stands in second place. They are set to compete in a series of games in Astana from April 7 to May 1.
A new world champion will be elected following the withdrawal of five-time reigning champion Magnus Carlsen from Norway, who declared last year that he would not defend his title in 2023.
Allen M Lee contributed to this report for TROIB News
Russia has the option to exit the European Chess Union and join the Asian Chess Federation, pending approval from the latter organization, as stated by FIDE, the international governing body of chess, on Wednesday. This declaration follows a request from the Chess Federation of Russia.
The Asian Chess Federation is anticipated to deliberate on Russia’s request during its General Assembly, scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on February 28. The Russian delegation will be headed by Andrey Filatov, the president of the CFR, according to national media reports.
Should the ACF accept Russia, FIDE clarified that the country would automatically withdraw from the ECU. The governing body noted that a chess federation can't be a member of two continental organizations simultaneously. Moreover, FIDE revealed that Russia would be designated as part of the Asian region starting May 1, if its membership is approved by the ACF.
FIDE also confirmed that Russian chess players who wish to transition to other federations amid these potential changes can do so immediately and without any fees. These players would have the option to return to the CFR under the same conditions at a later time.
In March 2022, FIDE permitted chess players from Russia and Belarus to participate in international tournaments, albeit under neutral status.
The ACF currently comprises 54 national federations, including notable chess countries like China, India, and Uzbekistan.
FIDE’s announcement comes just ahead of a world title match between Russian grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi and Chinese competitor Ding Liren. Nepomniachtchi is ranked third globally, while Ding stands in second place. They are set to compete in a series of games in Astana from April 7 to May 1.
A new world champion will be elected following the withdrawal of five-time reigning champion Magnus Carlsen from Norway, who declared last year that he would not defend his title in 2023.
Allen M Lee contributed to this report for TROIB News
