Arbiters and Fair Play

I believe fair play is vital to the integrity of chess.

I also believe that arbiters — who are already trained, licensed, and responsible under the Laws of Chess — should be empowered to manage fair play at events. The new system, with separate Fair Play titles, is creating confusion, duplication, and division.

I support a unified approach: one team under the Chief Arbiter, where fair play duties are assigned to qualified arbiters — as was done successfully for many years. I want the Fair Play Commission to focus on what it does best: research, technology, training, and support — helping all arbiters do their job better, not replacing them.

26 International Arbiters from around the world, including respected figures like Takis N. and Ashot V. — have already signed in agreement. (See here) Since then, a further 144 International Arbiters have signed, and their names have been forwarded to the FIDE Management Board.

We ask the Arbiters' Commission and FIDE to support this position — not to abolish fair play efforts, but to strengthen them, in a way that fosters trust, unity, and excellence across the chess community.