The International Chess Federation (FIDE) temporarily banned transgender women from competing in chess tournaments in a new policy.
According to the FIDE handbook, if someone transitions from male to female, “the player has no right to participate in official FIDE events for women until further FIDE’s decision is made.”
“Such decision should be based on further analysis and shall be taken by the FIDE Council at the earliest possible time, but not longer than within 2 (two) years period,” the handbook continues, adding, “There are no restrictions to play in the open section for a person who has changed the gender.”
FIDE also addressed the women’s titles and stated they are to be “abolished” if the person has “been changed to a man.” However, “if a player has changed the gender from a man into a woman, all the previous titles remain eligible.”
A very exciting quarterfinal match between Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi finally concludes, after 7 tiebreak games, with Praggnanandhaa emerging as the winner and moving on to face Fabiano Caruana in the semifinals. #FIDEWorldCup
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) August 17, 2023
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“Change of gender is a change that has a significant impact on a player’s status and future eligibility to tournaments,” the policy noted.
This came after chess player Stanley Omondi disguised himself as a woman wearing a burka in the female open chess tournament in Kenya, BBC Sports reported.
Omondi’s deception was exposed by the organizers of the competition who “got suspicious by the unknown player’s success.”
In a letter seen by the outlet, Omondi said his reasoning was because he had “financial needs” but was “ready to accept all consequences” as a result of his actions.
Chess Kenya president Bernard Wanjala revealed they didn’t suspect anything because he was wearing a hijab which is “normal” for women.
“But along the way, we noticed he won against very strong players… and it will be unlikely to have a new person who has never played a tournament [being very strong],” Wanjala added.
Furthermore, he said Omondi would presumably be banned from competing in chess tournaments for “several years,” but it isn’t expected to be forever.
“When he advanced, after he won a very strong match and we called him, he was not surprised,” Wanjala claimed.
He also claimed Omondi learned his lesson.
“He acknowledged that indeed he is a man. He regrets what happened, apologised and said he was only doing that because he had financial difficulties and thought winning the title will help him overcome,” he added.