Karjakin Banned From Chess For Supporting Russian Invasion

MAR 21 2022·Updated DEC 19 2022

Story

Image credit: ANP/AFP [via Raw Story]

The Facts

Russian grandmaster Sergey Karjakin has been suspended from competitions for six months by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) for voicing his support of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
guardian
The FIDE found Karjakin guilty of violating article 2.2.10 of its code of ethics, which prohibits action that might damage the reputation of the game of chess.
Worldchess
Karjakin, who was born in Crimea and represented Ukraine until 2009, responded to the ban by saying "first of all I am a patriot of my country and only second of all I am an athlete."
Raw Story
Since the start of the invasion, Karjakin has published explicit support for the Russian invasion and has repeated the Kremlin's stance that it's trying to accomplish the "demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine."
Reuters
Russia's chess federation said the FIDE is guilty of discrimination and it will appeal the ruling.
Reuters

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

It's impossible to separate sports from politics when Putin uses sports to solidify his position at home and restore Russia's standing internationally. Many athletes agree that it's impossible to allow Russians to compete while the illegal assault on Ukraine continues.

CNN

Narrative B

The "canceling" of Russia should be done with minimal harm to innocents, including athletes and artists who have no control over what their country is doing. Athletes that happen to be from a sanctioned country shouldn't be punished, except possibly when they're officially representing that country in competition.

Atlantic

Narrative C

The Kremlin is advancing Putin's interests through a low-cost disinformation campaign, and anyone who aids in its efforts to disseminate false narratives should be held to account.

France 24