Alexander Tkachev, Executive Director of the Russian Chess Federation (RCF), spoke about the Russian chess player Alexandra Kosteniuk changing her sports citizenship to Switzerland. “Championship.com”.
“I would like to state that the Russian Chess Federation cannot influence this in any way. These are some humanitarian reasons. Perhaps for the same Alexandra, it is easier to participate in tournaments in European countries than to fly to China, Indonesia or Bali, given that she lives in Paris, ”said Tkachev.
Kosteniuk received national Swiss citizenship through her first marriage, her husband was Swiss. Despite this, he continued to play for the Russian national team, but had to compete under the banner of the international federation due to FIDE’s sanctions against Russian chess players.
The media reported that Kosteniuk will only be able to play for Switzerland from January 1, 2024. The athlete admitted that he does not want to break ties with Russia. For him, Russia is the roots that he cannot erase from his life.
It was previously reported that the Honorary President of the Russian Chess Federation (CFR) Anatoly Karpov was dismissed. commented Alexandra Kosteniuk will compete under the Swiss flag from March 3, 2023.
Source: Gazeta
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