FIDE Director for Chess Development visits Ethiopia
In his ongoing efforts to promote chess across Africa, FIDE Director for Chess Development, Grandmaster Nigel Short, paid a three-day visit to Ethiopia. He held a series of strategic meetings with local sports authorities, marking a significant step in strengthening the growth of chess in the country. Upon arrival in Addis Ababa on December 5, Nigel Short was welcomed by Mekiyu Mohammed, Minister of Sport Development and Teshome Bekele Geleta, President of Ethiopian Chess Federation (ECF) During their meeting, Minister Mekiyu Mohammed reaffirmed the government’s full support for the newly elected ECF leadership and expressed a strong commitment to close cooperation to elevate chess development nationwide. He emphasized the government’s readiness to facilitate and support the establishment of a FIDE Africa Office and ACC (African Chess Confederation) Headquarters in Addis Ababa, citing the city’s global diplomatic significance as the seat of the African Union and numerous international organizations. He highlighted that hosting these offices would accelerate both local and regional chess development. Nigel Short underlined the global and educational importance of chess, reaffirming FIDE’s readiness to support the Ethiopian Chess Federation across all development areas. He warmly welcomed the government’s willingness to host FIDE and ACC offices in Addis Ababa, stressing the strategic importance such a move would bring to the continent. Teshome Bekele Geleta expressed appreciation for the government’s continuous support and FIDE’s commitment. He noted that the Federation has ambitious plans to make chess an integral part of Ethiopian culture and highlighted that support from both the Ministry and FIDE is crucial to achieving this vision. A second key meeting was held with Gezahagn, a Senior Official of the Ethiopian Olympic Committee (EOC), and Teshome Bekele Geleta. The FIDE Director emphasized the strategic importance of collaboration between the EOC and the Chess Federation, particularly in preparation for global events such as the Chess Olympiad. Gezahagn expressed the EOC’s readiness to support the newly elected Federation leadership and to strengthen ongoing cooperation. Teshome Bekele Geleta conveyed his gratitude for the EOC’s commitment and reiterated the Federation’s readiness to work closely with the Olympic structure in all areas of mutual interest. Nigel Short also attended both the opening and closing ceremonies of the National Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships. He presided over the medal ceremony at the closing event, which served as a major motivation and source of inspiration for participating players and the chess community. As part of his visit, Nigel Short gave a simultaneous exhibition against 15 Ethiopian players, winning ten games, drawing three and losing two. Short remarked that this was one of the hardest simuls he had ever given and commended the high level and fighting spirit of the Ethiopian players. FIDE Director for Chess Development also held an in-depth consultation with senior leaders of the Ethiopian Chess Federation. The discussion focused on long-term pathways for chess development, capacity building, and FIDE-ECF partnership enhancement. Teshome Bekele Geleta expressed deep appreciation for GM Short’s timely and impactful visit, noting that it brought renewed motivation to players and administrators alike. For his part, Nigel Short reaffirmed FIDE’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia in all aspects of chess development and expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended during his stay. Photos: Chess in Ethiopia
FIDE Official Statement on Fair Play
FIDE is aware of recent online publications alleging that the Fair Play Commission is unwilling to cooperate with arbiters, as well as personal attacks directed at members of the Arbiters Commission and Fair Play Commission. These claims are unfounded and misrepresent the extensive collaborative work undertaken in recent months. FIDE firmly reiterates that the strengthening of fair play in chess is a shared responsibility. Significant progress has already been made in aligning the functions of arbiters and fair play specialists, improving the pathways for fair play title acquisition, and enhancing training standards across both areas. This work continues with the full support of FIDE leadership. In accordance with the decision of the FIDE Council, the Fair Play Commission will convene another consultation meeting in the nearest days with all relevant stakeholders. The goal of this meeting is to finalize the next steps for improved coordination, training, and functional alignment between fair play and arbiter responsibilities, ensuring a unified and systematic approach to fair play control at major FIDE events. FIDE unequivocally denounces any publications, statements, or personal attacks that undermine these cooperative efforts or hinder the development of a strong, integrated fair play framework. We call on all members of the chess community to support constructive dialogue, professionalism, and respect for the institutions and individuals working to protect the integrity of our sport. FIDE – the International Chess Federation – remains fully committed to fair, transparent, and unified standards in chess.