Chess star Sergej Karjakin is allowed to play in international tournaments again. The world association has lifted the suspension of the Russian. This caused outrage in the scene. Because the 32-year-old is not only a friend of Vladimir Putin, but also continues to spread the Kremlin's propaganda.
Even before the cheating scandal surrounding Hans Niemann and world champion Magnus Carlsen has been completely cleared up, the chess world is hit by another scandal. The originator this time: the world association FIDE, which lifted the suspension of Putin friend Sergej Karjakin on Sunday. The anger about it is great.
"Disqualification ended," Karjakin wrote on Sunday for a picture he posted on Twitter. The Russian wore a provocative shirt with the inscription "Putin Team". The world chess association FIDE had taken the grandmaster out of circulation six months ago after he had made several statements in favor of Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine and had been proven to have spread lies about the Ukrainian government. That ban has now expired.
The fact that Karjakin, who maintains a friendly relationship with Vladimir Putin, has continued to spread the Kremlin's propaganda for the past six months does not seem to bother FIDE. "It just shows that Russia has FIDE in its pocket," Norwegian chess expert Atle Grønn told NRK about the pardon. Berit Lindeman, Secretary General of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee, said of Karjakin's picture in the "Putin" sweater: "That's a middle finger from Karjakin!" FIDE's decision to allow the Russian back to international tournaments was "absolutely reprehensible. He is a public supporter of the war". After this pardon it was difficult "to take FIDE seriously".
Although Karjakin is now officially allowed to compete again in international tournaments, it is unlikely that he will do so. The reason: In a message on his Telegram channel, the 32-year-old said he would only start if he was allowed to compete under the Russian flag. However, this is still prohibited. Russian players must compete in international events under a neutral flag.
The anger about Karjakin's pardon is not only great in Norway. Numerous fans also reacted to the decision by shaking their heads. Many taunted Karjakin on social media, writing comments such as, "Just in time for the mobilization. As a passionate patriot, I'm sure you've already reported to the authorities' office. Or is the 'Z' more of a theoretical thing for you?" Another user said: "Let's go to the front, Sergei. Many young men in Russia are being forced to die. Can you stay at home?"
