- Sergey Karjakin was born in Crimea and played for Ukraine until 2009 when he switched to Russia.
- The Chess grand master has 21 days to appeal the ruling or miss the chess World Cup competition
- The Russian Chess Champion claims that FIDE have embarrased themselves by banning him to compete for six months
- Another Russian Chess star made pro-Russia remarks, but he was not banned because his were “less offensive.”
On Monday, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) announced that Russian grandmaster Sergey Karjakin had been barred from competition for six months due to his support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“Sergey Karjakin is found guilty of breach of article 2.2.10 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.
Chess Champion Sergey Karjakin. Photo: Chase Base
“Taking effect from the date of this decision, March 21 2022.” the governing body said in a statement
Karjakin, who competed for the world title against Magnus Carlsen in 2016, has supported his country’s conduct on social media in recent weeks, bringing widespread condemnation from the chess community.
“The statements by Sergey Karjakin on the ongoing military conflict in Ukraine have led to a considerable number of reactions on social media and elsewhere, largely negative towards the opinions expressed.”
KARJAKIN HAS NO REGRETS ABOUT THE PRO-RUSSIA REMARKS HE MADE
“An expected but no less shameful decision by FIDE,” said Karjakin. “All sports selections have been trampled.
“The basic principle that sports are out of politics has been trampled. Most importantly, I am a patriot of my country, and only second of all, I am an athlete.
“If I thought back to the situation when I supported the president of Russia, the people and the army, I would have done the same thing! I don’t regret anything.”
Karjakin, born in Crimea and represented Ukraine until 2009, claimed on Telegram that he is being targeted because he is supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Karjakin’s participation in the Candidates Tournament, which begins on June 16, is in jeopardy due to the ban. He has 21 days to file an appeal against the ruling.
“I made the hardest selection through the World Cup in the Candidates Tournament. Winning that would have put me in a match for the world championship.
Magnus Carisen of Norway (left) VS Sergey Karjakin of Russia (right) in a World Chess Competition. Photo Chess Base
“Alas, FIDE embarrassed themselves, not me,” Karjakin added on Telegram.
“And most importantly, first of all, I am a patriot of my country and only second of all I am an athlete.
“If I thought back to the situation when I supported the president of Russia, the people and the army, I would have done the same thing! I don’t regret anything.”
Sergei Shipov, another Russian grandmaster, was not sanctioned because his pro-Russia comments were “slightly different and less aggressive in tone than those made by Karjakin,” according to FIDE.
Later this year, the FIDE has already barred Russian and Belarusian players from participating in tournaments under their respective flags and the Chess Olympiad and FIDE Congress.
Belarus was included because it has assisted Moscow in its offensive with logistical support, including permitting Russia to launch operations from Belarusian territory.
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