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The International Chess Federation (FIDE) banned transgender women from competing in women’s competitions. The international chess governing body ruled that transgender women won’t be able to participate in women’s events until the officials carry out a gender change assessment. The Switzerland-based organisation has faced heavy criticism from several advocates and social activists from around the world.
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FIDE said that the member federations have time and again received recognition requests from transgender players. It also said that the participation of transgender women would depend on the analysis of individual cases. The governing body added that the entire process would take approximately two years.
The federation said, “Change of gender is a change that has a significant impact on a player’s status and future eligibility to tournaments, therefore it can only be made if there is a relevant proof of the change provided.”
“In the event that the gender was changed from a male to a female the player has no right to participate in official FIDE events for women until further FIDE’s decision is made,” the statement further read.
Notably, last month, the organisation ruled that female transgender athletes who transitioned from male puberty will no longer be able to compete in women’s events.
