Russia not allowed competing in World Chess Olympiad

The women’s national chess team of Russia is not permitted to compete in the Tromsø Chess World Olympiad, which will kick off on August 2 in the Norwegian city, the event’s official website informed.  

 According to the respective statement, the Russian women’s team has missed the June 1 deadline to submit their lineups, and therefore they will not be able to take part in the Olympiad. “After informing Fide of our interpretation and position, we have received mails and phone calls from the Fide Secretariat and Vice President Gelfer asking us to allow the Russian women's team to participate.

Of course, we can understand the embarrassment it can create when a significant and powerful federation like RCF does not submit a team within the deadline. Still, we as Organizers have a duty to treat all federations alike,” the Olympiad organizing committee statement specifically reads.