Almost every player affected
Allegations of sexism shake the chess world
08/11/2023, 7:12 p.m
The chess world is rumbling loudly. Especially among the women who denounce permanent sexism with an open letter. According to national player Annmarie Mütsch, almost every woman in chess is confronted with sexism. Now the world association is reacting.
The world association Fide has responded to the accusations of sexism by numerous chess players and praised the initiators “for their courage and solidarity”. “At Fide we are deeply moved by the letter signed by over 100 female chess players denouncing sexist and sexual violence in chess. Fide firmly rejects any behavior and action based on sexism, including any form of abuse. Self if only one woman experiences abuse, it’s one too many,” it said in a statement.
Fide continues to work on a protection policy for women in chess, “as we want to provide them with the tools and support to feel safe and confident. In the meantime, we urge all players who have experienced misconduct to submit a to lodge a complaint with the FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Committee,” it said.
In an open letter published last week by 14 French chess players and signed by more than 100 women, sexist behavior by male colleagues is denounced. According to the German national player Annmarie Mütsch, almost every woman in chess is confronted with sexism. “I know almost no woman in chess who hasn’t had any experience with sexism,” said Mütsch, who is also one of the signatories, in a “Spiegel” interview.
Fide will work for “the improvement of the chess world”. “We too believe in the power of the chess family. Together we can improve the culture and make our chess community a safe, respectful and friendly place for everyone,” it said.