The FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission Appeal Chamber has issued its decision regarding the case of IM Andrejs Strebkovs. The case involved accusations of sending offensive and inappropriate materials, including pornographic images and used condoms, to female chess players, some of whom were minors. These actions disrupted events such as the 2021 Women’s Grand Swiss Tournament and caused significant harm to the affected players and the broader chess community.
In its initial ruling, the EDC First Instance Chamber found IM Andrejs Strebkovs guilty of several breaches of FIDE’s ethics and disciplinary code, imposing a five-year ban from all FIDE-rated events. Strebkovs appealed this decision, denying his involvement and challenging the evidence and FIDE’s authority to handle the case. FIDE, in turn, filed a cross-appeal, seeking a harsher sanction, including a longer ban and the revocation of Strebkovs’ International Master title, emphasizing the harm done to women and minors in chess.
After a thorough review, the Appeal Chamber upheld the evidence presented, which included DNA analysis and findings from a police investigation, and confirmed FIDE’s jurisdiction over the matter. The Chamber also found Strebkovs guilty of additional violations related to threatening and obscene behavior under FIDE’s rules. It was noted that the respondent did not express any remorse or empathy towards the victims. The Chamber also highlighted the gravity of the acts committed, which involved systematic and organized attacks against a vulnerable group - women and minors. A further aggravating factor noted was the prolonged period during which the respondent acted with impunity, coupled with his persistence in advocating for views on sexual harassment and abuse that are incompatible with the standards of the FIDE family.
These actions, the Chamber concluded, evidenced a “clear repudiation of his membership” and had a severe and harmful impact on the sport, both at the individual and institutional levels. As a result, the Appeal Chamber extended Strebkovs’ ban to 12 years and revoked his International Master title, citing the severity and deliberate nature of his actions:
“In the case at hand, the respondent seriously failed in his position as a role model, being the holder of an IM title. Moreover, he uses this title to coach and thus remain in contact with a community of young players among whom he can choose his victims or inquire about potential victims, and as long as the respondent is in contact with his sphere of influence, he will always be a threat to the entire chess community and especially the vulnerable groups he targets.”
Commenting on the decision, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, who also served as the cross-appellant in this case, said: “This decision sends a strong message that there is no place in chess for such unacceptable behavior. FIDE is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all players, particularly women and minors, who must feel safe and respected in our community.”
The EDC Appeal Chamber’s ruling reflects the gravity of the misconduct and its impact on the chess community. By addressing such serious violations decisively, FIDE aims to protect the sport’s integrity and ensure that all players can participate in an environment free from harm or intimidation.
The full text of the decision can be found here.
