The Russian Chess Federation is reportedly planning to reach out to major sponsors of Russian chess players to discuss an important update regarding players who change citizenship. As per a report from TASS, a Russian news agency, the federation intends to introduce a clause in player contracts that would require chess players to return sponsorship funds if they switch citizenship from Russia to another country.
Federation’s New Clause for Sponsorship Contracts
Andrei Filatov, President of the Russian Chess Federation, confirmed that the organization will contact sponsors to ensure that contracts include this clause. Filatov stated, “The Russian Chess Federation has decided to contact all major Russian sponsors who support chess players and their teams to ensure that contracts stipulate the requirement to return sponsorship money if a player changes sports citizenship.”
Filatov also revealed that this move comes in response to a trend in which many chess players have chosen to switch their citizenship since 2022. “The Russian Chess Federation has drawn conclusions and has already implemented a similar practice after a number of chess players changed their citizenship after 2022,” he added.
Russian Players Competing Under the FIDE Flag
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russian chess players have been competing under the banner of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), as Russian and Belarusian players were barred from representing their countries in various chess events. In December 2024, the FIDE Council approved the continuation of FIDE Flag Representation for Russian and Belarusian players until January 1, 2026.
In 2023, a total of 99 Russian players chose to represent other countries in chess, as reported by The New Indian Express. According to FIDE records, between 2022 and 2024, a total of 760 players from Russia and Belarus switched to competing under the FIDE flag.
Filatov Defends the Decision
Filatov explained that this new rule was necessary in the current climate. He acknowledged that the move has caused some discomfort, particularly among coaches who are closely connected to talented chess players. He stated, “This step is necessary in the current reality, although it causes a painful reaction among many coaches who are attached to talented chess players and try to manipulate them.”
Players Who Have Changed Citizenship
Several prominent chess players have already made the decision to change their citizenship. One of the most notable examples is Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri, who switched his citizenship from Russia to the Netherlands in 2009. Giri is now the top player in the Netherlands.
In 2023, Russian Grandmaster Nikita Vitiugov made the decision to change his citizenship to England amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Additionally, Ian Nepomniachtchi, who was the challenger to Magnus Carlsen in the 2021 World Chess Championship, currently competes under the FIDE banner, although he still holds Russian citizenship.
This new development further highlights the evolving landscape in international chess, as the Russian Chess Federation continues to navigate the challenges posed by the ongoing geopolitical situation.