World's Top Chess Player Magnus Carlsen Urges Against Lifting Sanctions on Russia and Belarus

Norwegian Magnus Carlsen, who was recognized as the greatest chess player in history, said there is no need to lift sanctions from the Russian and Belarusian chess federations.

Carlsen made the announcement at the FIDE 100 Award ceremony. He expressed his gratitude for the award and remembered Garry Kasparov, the former world chess champion and opposer of the leader of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. In his honor, Carlsen called not to lift sanctions against the Russian and Belarusian chess federations.

“In Garry’s honor, I am sure he would take the opportunity to advise against reinstating the Russian and Belarusian Chess Federation, so that is what I will do as well,” Carlsen said.

Currently, Russian and Belarusian chess players can compete in tournaments only under the neutral flag of the International Chess Federation.