FIDE has opened the call for candidates for the upcoming elections to the FIDE Athletes Commission.
The Athletes Commission represents the interests and perspectives of players within FIDE, helping ensure that their voices are heard in discussions and decisions that affect the chess community.
The overall composition of the Athletes’ Commission will consist of between 5 and 9 members, including mandatory representation of both genders. The exact final number will be determined by the Council, taking into account:
- The number of applications submitted; and
- The candidates’ readiness to work on the relevant Commission.
The upcoming elections will be for an interim two-year term, from 2026 to 2028.
This transitional period will give FIDE and the newly elected Commission time to develop clear and comprehensive rules for how the Athletes Commission should operate and be composed in the future. FIDE’s intention is that, once this interim term concludes in 2028, future elections will be conducted by and among the players themselves, further strengthening the Commission’s role as a representative voice for athletes in chess.
FIDE is committed to giving players a stronger role within the governance of the International Chess Federation and ensuring that their views are properly represented.
“As players, we experience the sport from a very particular perspective. We know where things work well, but we also see where improvements can be made,” said FIDE Interim President Viswanathan Anand.
“It is important that this experience has a clear voice within FIDE. I hope strong candidates will come forward who are ready to listen to their fellow players, bring their concerns and ideas to the table, and help us build a Commission that the chess community feels genuinely represents them,” he added.
Once elected, the new Athletes Commission will work with FIDE to develop concrete proposals for increasing player representation within FIDE’s structures and to help shape additional regulations governing the Commission. This work will focus on strengthening representation, protecting players’ rights, and supporting the integrity and continued development of chess.
Elections timeline
- Deadline for submission of candidacies: 07 October 2026
- Final list of verified candidates: will be published no later than 12 October 2026
- Elections: will be conducted by the newly elected FIDE Council during the October 2026.
Candidacy requirements
To stand for election to the Athletes Commission, a candidate must:
a) be at least 18 years old;
b) have competed in at least one of the last three FIDE World Championship Cycles, open or Women’s (namely: World Cup, Grand Prix Series, Candidates Tournament, Grand Swiss), or have qualified for the next FIDE World Championship Cycles, open or Women’s (namely: World Cup, Grand Prix Series, Candidates Tournament, Grand Swiss);
c) be able to speak and understand English reasonably well;
d) not be under a FIDE EDC disqualification.
Candidates do not need the endorsement of a Member Federation in order to apply.
Submission of candidacies
Applications should be submitted by email to office@fide.com.
Players should include their full name and clearly state that they wish to stand as a candidate for membership of the FIDE Athletes Commission. FIDE will confirm receipt of each application in writing.
Candidates are also encouraged, although not required, to include a short letter in their own words explaining why they would like to serve on the Commission and what they hope to contribute.