The International Chess Federation (FIDE) and the investment company Freedom Holding Corp have signed a Memorandum on cooperation focused on global promotion, development, and accessibility of chess.
Freedom Holding Corp will serve as an official Partner of FIDE in chess development programmes in 2026. The cooperation covers four areas and includes:
a) Organisation and sponsorship of international, continental, and regional chess tournaments
b) Provision of financial and material support to players, coaches, and training centres across all continents
c) Implementation of chess educational programmes with financial support
d) Talent scouting programmes and initiatives through financial support
The agreement covers the period from April 6 to December 31, 2026, with both parties viewing it as the first step in a broader long term cooperation..
Both FIDE and Freedom Holding Corp have committed to working in good faith for the benefit of chess development worldwide.
Freedom Holding Corp has already contributed significant financial support for elite and school chess in recent years, recognising the importance of chess in education, cognitive development, and cultural exchange. As the official Partner, Freedom Holding will support FIDE’s ongoing initiatives and strategic goals to broaden the reach of chess, building a greater, stronger, and more inclusive chess community.
“Freedom Holding Corp and its CEO, Mr. Timur Turlov, have been strong supporters of chess in recent years, recognising the value and high potential of the sport. In a year when FIDE is staging many of our most important events, we are strengthening our existing bond and laying a foundation for a better and more prosperous global chess community,” FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich said. More details on the projects and the funding will be released in due course.