World Chess body threatens to ban Uganda over unpaid dues
Ugandan chess players such as Harold Wanyama may not take part in future Fide organised events if Uganda Chess Federation does not pay up. COURTESY PHOTO
What you need to know:
Chess. According to a new policy, every six months (June 30-December 31) players from defaulting federations cannot participate in any FIDE events or continental competitions that provide qualifiers to World Championship and Olympiad events until arrears paid.
KAMPALA. Five African federations including Uganda face the possibility of being barred from events sanctioned by the World Chess Federation (FIDE) following a new policy by the international governing body.
Countries that have defaulted on payment of FIDE dues over the previous six months (June 30-December31) will have their players not participate in any FIDE events according to a statement on the FIDE official website.
The policy took effect in December with Uganda, South Africa, Swaziland, Nigeria, and Congo among the African nations listed as defaulters.
Previously, countries that had defaulted over a period of six months had FIDE services withdrawn and their players not listed on the FIDE website, until the arrears were paid.
Stephen Kisuze, the director technical at the Uganda Chess Federation however downplayed the recent developments.
“It is true we have not yet paid but it is also usually difficult to do so during the festive period,” he explained.
“We usually pay at the start of the year and besides the amount is not really that big,” he added.
Affiliated International Chess Organisations pay an annual subscription of a fee of approximately Shs2.4 million.
Kisuze also asserted that the Kawuma Open Chess Championship that starts on Friday at Hotel Africana will not be affected by the latest developments.
