Timur Turlov Advocates for Enhanced Ukrainian Voice in FIDE Leadership

Strengthening Ukrainian Representation in FIDE

In a significant move aimed at enhancing the influence of Ukraine in the international chess community, Timur Turlov has put forth a proposal encouraging Ukraine to nominate its own candidate for the position of Vice-President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE). This proposition has become a focal point in the upcoming presidential election for FIDE scheduled for September 26, 2026, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Turlov, who is running for President alongside the five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand, articulated his vision for Ukrainian representation in a recent communication addressed to the chess community via social media. He underscored that Ukraine boasts a rich legacy of chess prowess, with generations of elite players and trainers contributing to the sport's global stature. Turlov stated, "Ukraine is one of the great chess nations in the world," reinforcing the notion that it is essential for the nation to have a prominent voice within the FIDE's governing structures.

His message resonated deeply within the Ukrainian chess infrastructure, as Turlov urged for increased participation in decision-making that affects the international chess landscape. He emphasized that the FIDE cannot function independently of the ongoing global situations, particularly highlighting Ukraine’s current challenges and contributions to the game.

In a notable response, Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to the Ukrainian president, expressed his support for Turlov's reformative vision and signaled his willingness to consider joining the new FIDE team. Podolyak emphasized the necessity for international federations to prioritize their core sporting objectives while ensuring competition equity, aligning perfectly with Turlov’s agenda.

Turlov’s credentials are well-established. Since 2023, he has served as the President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation and became the President of the International School Chess Federation in 2025. Under his leadership, the Kazakh national program 'Chess in Schools' has made a substantial impact, reaching over 1,500 schools and engaging around 60,000 students. The initiative has successfully trained thousands of teachers, showcasing Turlov’s commitment to expanding chess education.

Additionally, during Turlov’s tenure, Kazakhstan has been a host to numerous prestigious international tournaments, including the Rapid and Blitz World Championships and the World Championship Match in 2023 held in Astana. The collaborative efforts of the FIDE in association with Turlov’s financial and technology firm, Freedom Holding Corp., aim to enhance chess programming for the upcoming year, focusing on tournaments, player development, coaching, educational initiatives, and talent promotion.

Turlov's campaign agenda includes critical priorities such as digital development, chess instruction, financial sustainability, and institutional advancement within FIDE. As election day approaches, the chess community anticipates significant discussions around the reformative proposals Turlov and his team bring to the federation’s table.

The FIDE presidential election will feature three candidate pairings: Turlov-Anand, Wadim Rosenstein-Gordon Tang, and Jan Henric Buettner-Malcolm Pein. Each affiliated federation member will cast their vote, marking a crucial moment in determining the future direction of international chess governance.

As the election draws near, Turlov’s push for enhanced Ukrainian representation is a powerful reminder of the nation's historical importance in chess, signifying a potential shift towards greater inclusivity in the sport's administration. In representing Ukraine effectively at this level, the chess federation hopes to harness not just a voice but a vision that aligns with the current landscape of international chess.