FIDE takes disciplinary action against IM for postal harassment of multiple female chess players
FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission announced its decision in the case of alleged postal harassment of female chess players by IM Andrejs Strebkovs Acting on the Complaint of the FIDE President against IM Andrejs Strebkovs concerning allegations of postal harassment in violation of the FIDE Ethics & Disciplinary Code, the EDC found the Respondent guilty and sanctioned him to a worldwide ban of five years from participating in any FIDE-rated event as a player, or to be physically present at any such FIDE rated event. A complaint from the FIDE President prompted the EDC investigation submitted on May 1, 2024, based on the findings of two separate investigations – an in-depth report by the Meduza Internet Platform published in February 2022 and a formal police investigation in Riga, Latvia. Both investigations traced the letters back to IM Strebkovs using forensic evidence, including DNA analysis. In his response, IM Strebkovs claimed that only one case – from 2021 – can be subject to a complaint, as the other letters “have nothing to do with the chess competitions…” or chess. The Respondent further claims that the letters do not concern FIDE or the national chess federations and the activities of those organizations. In effect, he was claiming that FIDE has no jurisdiction over the cases in question. The police investigation in Latvia was followed by a criminal case which concluded that the actions did not constitute a criminal offense under Latvian law, the EDC determined that IM Strebkovs violated multiple provisions of the FIDE Ethics & Disciplinary Code related to human dignity, ethical behavior, and social conduct. The EDC found compelling evidence that Latvian chess player IM Andrejs Strebkovs engaged in a disturbing pattern of harassment over the past decade against female chess players. The investigation revealed that dozens of female players, some as young as 14, received obscene letters containing pornographic material and used condoms, sent to their homes, clubs, universities and tournament venues. In addition to sending letters, Strebkov, for many years, allowed himself offensive statements about women on various Internet platforms, which contributed to his identification. “FIDE will not tolerate any form of harassment or abuse within the chess community, especially in the cases where minors are involved,” said FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. “We want to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all players, regardless of whether they are male or female. We welcome the decision by the Ethics & Disciplinary Commission, which sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.” The Decision of the EDC notes that “FIDE strongly supports chess players competing in a safe and respectful environment. This environment includes and extends to playing venues. Part of this support is encouraging and empowering victims to speak up and report transgressions which contravene with these principles to safeguard a safe environment.” In 2023, FIDE has partnered with Safe Sport International to begin the process of developing a Safeguarding Framework within FIDE. The Decision of the EDC can be found – here.
FIDE100 Awards: Selecting the Most Memorable Tournaments
To celebrate FIDE 100 anniversary, a series of awards to honor those who have made exceptional contributions to the world of chess in the past 100 years was established. The awards are given in 19 categories. Each category has a specified nomination and voting criteria. National federations are welcome to submit their events in the categories “the Most Memorable FIDE Chess Tournament” and “the Most Memorable Private Chess Tournament.” These awards will recognize the most impactful chess tournaments, which have earned their place in chess history thanks to their strength, reputation in the chess world, and recognition by players and the chess audience. They will also recognize the exceptional efforts of organizers who have created unforgettable experiences, inspiring the global chess community. Nominations can be submitted here until August 20, 2024: The Most Memorable FIDE Chess Tournament: 100.fide.com/fide-awards-2024-%E2%81%A0the-most-memorable-fide-chess-tournament/ The Most Memorable Private Chess Tournament: 100.fide.com/fide-awards-2024-%E2%81%A0the-most-memorable-private-chess-tournament/ The winners of the FIDE 100 Awards will be announced during the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Budapest in September 2024. For more information about the FIDE100 Awards and to submit nominations, please visit 100.fide.com/fide-awards-2024/.
Hungarian Post releases commemorative stamp for 45th Chess Olympiad
Hungarian Post pays tribute to the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad with a commemorative stamp release. The event, organized by the National Event Management Agency in cooperation with the Hungarian Chess Federation and the International Chess Federation (FIDE), will be held between September 10 and 23, 2024, in Budapest. From 5 August, 40,000 copies of the special edition stamp will be released and can be purchased at Filaposta, through philatelic specialist services, in select post offices, and at www.posta.hu. Hungary has been a significant player in chess for hundreds of years. The Game of Kings arrived in the country as early as the 14th century; Hungary was involved in founding the International Chess Federation 100 years ago and since then, Hungarians have produced many world-famous chess players. The names Lajos Portisch, Péter Lékó, Zoltán Almási, Ildikó Mádl, Richárd Rapport, and the Polgár family are known worldwide. “On behalf of the sports community, I am delighted and honored that an organization with such a long and illustrious history as the Hungarian Post is issuing a commemorative stamp as a gesture of homage to the Budapest Chess Olympiad. It is not widely known, but chess and postal services share a long-standing tradition; Hungary has achieved remarkable results in correspondence chess over the years. In a series of correspondence chess Olympiads conducted via postal mail, taking several years, Hungary has won 1 gold and 2 silver medals in the men’s category and 1 bronze medal in the women’s category. We would like to thank the Hungarian Post for this wonderful gesture,” said Dr. Zoltán Polyánszky, President of the Hungarian Chess Federation, on the occasion of the stamp issue. Therefore, Hungary is one of the leading centers of chess, and it is a great honor that one of the sport’s most important global events is being hosted in Hungary this year. World-class chess players from around the globe will come to Budapest for this major competition. “It is wonderful to see that the Hungarian Post has created a stamp to commemorate the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad, which will be held in Budapest this September. This follows in the footsteps of other countries that have, in previous decades, published postal stamps to celebrate chess and their national achievements in the game. This act is another step from Hungary in making the 45th Olympiad a memorable event, and we are truly grateful for that,” said FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. The Hungarian Post pays tribute to this outstanding event by releasing a unique stamp and other philatelic items featuring the visual elements and logo of the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad. The stamp design evokes the black and white squares of the chessboard, and the central element of the commemorative envelope is the image of the black queen. The event logo is displayed on the stamp imprint of the First Day Cover (FDC). The image for the Chess Olympiad was inspired by the art of the Hungarian-born Victor Vasarely, the greatest figure of optical painting. Not only does the visual world of black and white squares connect Vasarely to chess, but the artist himself was also a passionate chess enthusiast, and chess played an important role in his life. The design inspired by him can be found not only on products from the Hungarian Post but also throughout the entire event. The 45th Chess Olympiad will be open to visitors at the BOK Sports and Conference Centre from 10 to 23 September. For the event, the organizers are preparing a free exhibition where visitors can participate in various chess-related programmes. For more information about the stamp, please visit: www.posta.hu