FIDE disqualifies grandmaster Karjakin for 6 months for his statements about Ukraine

MOSCOW. March 21 (Interfax) - The Ethics and Disciplinary Commission of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) has made a decision to disqualify Russian grandmaster Sergey Karjakin for six months in light of his support for Russia's military operation in Ukraine, the FIDE press service said.

"Sergey Karjakin is found guilty of [...] the FIDE Code of Ethics, and is sanctioned to a worldwide ban of six months from participating as a player in any FIDE rated chess competition, taking effect from the date of this decision, 21 March 2022," the press service said.

Karjakin's statements caused chess and FIDE to appear in an unfavorable light and damaged their reputations as the grandmaster's statements have led to "a considerable number of reactions on social media," it said.

This decision may be appealed within 21 days.