21st “Preparation of Teachers” course by FIDE EDU announced
Dear Chess Friends, Get ready for another extraordinary chess experience. Mark your calendars: January 17-19, 2025, for our 21st edition of the “Preparation of Teachers” course – your gateway to becoming a certified FIDE School Instructor. Bonus: Successful candidates get lifelong access to OPENING MASTER PREMIUM chess databases. Conducted in English, this 3-day online course is designed to engage you in a practical experience aimed at introducing the game of chess and integrating it with academic and 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration. Read the detailed course description here. Led by distinguished commission member Anzel Laubscher and commission secretary Rita Atkins, this course caters to teachers, chess educators, beginner and advanced players with basic chess knowledge, and anyone with experience working with children. Reserve your spot by registering here. Registration closes on January 13, with only 20 spots available. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at edu.courses@fide.com
Sanctions against Moroccan Chess Federation suspended
The Royal Moroccan Federation of Chess has fulfilled its obligation to settle outstanding debts owed to players, arbiters, and staff from the King Mohammed VI International Chess Tournament, held in August 2023. Following its initial failure to meet these obligations, FIDE’s Ethics and Disciplinary Commission (EDC) had imposed sanctions on the Royal Moroccan Federation of Chess, introducing a two-year ban on organizing any FIDE-rated tournaments. FIDE can confirm that the Royal Moroccan Federation of Chess has now transferred the full sum of EUR 71,380.00 to FIDE, covering all outstanding debts and banking costs. FIDE is working promptly on processing payments to all affected players, arbiters, and staff to ensure timely resolution and compensation. In accordance with the EDC’s decision from December 2024, the two-year ban will be suspended for a two-year probationary period. However, any further serious breach of the EDC Code by the Federation during this period will result in the reinstatement of the ban, in addition to any new sanctions that may apply. FIDE commends the proactive efforts of the Royal Moroccan Federation of Chess to resolve this matter and trusts that such situations will be avoided in the future. The International Chess Federation remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting and supporting players, arbiters, and all members of the chess community, ensuring that their rights and obligations are upheld in a fair, timely, and transparent manner.