Chess Grandmaster Karjakin Banned from Playing for Six Months

Chess Grandmaster Karjakin Banned From Playing For Six Months. Russian chess athlete Sergey Karjakin has been banned from competing for six months. Because of its support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, says the International Chess Federation (FIDE). The 32-year-old Karjakin challenged Magnus Carlsen for the world title in 2016. Has defended his country’s actions on social media in recent weeks, drawing strong criticism from the chess world.

“Sergey Karjakin was found guilty of violating article 2.2.10 of the FIDE Code of Conduct. And was sentenced to a six-month worldwide ban from participating as a player in a FIDE-rated chess competition commencing from the date of this decision. 21 March 2022. Sergey Karjakin’s statement on the conflict ongoing military operations in Ukraine. It has caused a large number of reactions on social media and elsewhere, mostly negative to the opinions expressed.” the governing body said in a statement.

Sergey Karjakin Doesn’t Regret His Actions

Karjakin, who was born in Crimea and represented Ukraine until 2009, said: “A decision that FIDE was hoping for, but no less embarrassing. All sporting options have been trampled on, the basic principle that sport is out of politics has been trampled on.” The ban puts Karjakin’s participation in the Candidates Tournament, which starts on June 16, in doubt. He can appeal the decision within 21 days.

“I made the hardest selection through the World Cup in the Candidates Tournament. Winning that would put me in the game for the world championship. Unfortunately, FIDE embarrassed themselves, not me. And most importantly, first of all, I am a patriot of my country, and secondly, I am an athlete. If I think back on the situation when I supported the president of Russia, the people, and the army. I will do the same. The same thing! And I regret nothing.” added Karjakin on Telegram.

Another Russian grandmaster, Sergei Shipov, was not sanctioned for his pro-Russian comments. Because FIDE decided they were “a little different in character and less provocative than the Karjakin ones.” FIDE previously stripped the hosts of the Moscow Chess Olympiad and the FIDE Congress later this year. And banned Russian and Belarusian players from competing in tournaments under their respective flags. Belarus has become a major staging area for Russian troops.

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