Grandmaster Sergey Karyakin weighed in on a major shift for the Russian Chess Federation as plans move the organization from Europe to Asia, a topic highlighted by Sports24. Karyakin asserted that Russian players face limited opportunities in European circuits and voiced a strong stance about the community’s reception in Western federations. He emphasized that a move away from European events could be a practical response to a climate he perceives as unwelcoming and restrictive for Russian competitors.
Previously, the International Chess Federation Council signaled approval for the federation to switch from the European Chess Union to the Asian Chess Federation, marking a significant realignment in regional governance. The decision came after the federation’s constitutional commission reviewed the transition and found no procedural or legal irregularities that would block the change. With the council’s endorsement in place, the timeline for the shift now hinges on the Asian federation’s parliamentary forum scheduled to convene in Abu Dhabi at the end of February.
Among prominent figures in the chess world, Anatoly Karpov, who once held the post of Honorary President of the Russian Chess Federation, has expressed opposition to the move. Karpov’s stance reflects a broader debate about regional identity, competitive access, and the strategic implications for Russian players and national chess programs. As the proposed transition advances, stakeholders are weighing the potential impact on coaching, sponsorship, and international participation for Russian ensembles, as well as the broader geopolitical dynamics that accompany elite sport governing structures.
The forthcoming transition is poised to redefine existing alliances and competition calendars. Supporters argue that aligning with the Asian federation could open new pathways for collaboration and development, while critics warn of disruptions to long-standing Western partnerships and tournament pipelines. The conversation also touches on eligibility rules, cross-border coordination for national teams, and the logistical considerations of transferring federation membership while preserving the integrity of annual championships and rating systems. In the broader chess community, this shift is viewed as a test case for how governing bodies adapt to changing geopolitical landscapes while maintaining fairness, transparency, and opportunities for elite players across continents. As the Abu Dhabi meeting approaches, both sides are preparing their positions, aiming to clarify the path forward for Russian players and their coaches, captains, and national programs, within a framework that seeks stability and competitive balance for the sport on the world stage. Sports24 continues to monitor developments as the regional reorganization unfolds and impacts the cadence of international events, player eligibility, and federation governance across Europe and Asia.