Fair Play Belongs
With Arbiters

One Team.
One Responsibility. One Fair Play.

Fair Play is essential to chess. Arbiters are already trained and responsible under the Laws of Chess to uphold it. Creating a separate Fair Play system has led to confusion and division.

We support one unified team under the Chief Arbiter — as it always was — with the Fair Play Commission focusing on research, training, and support.

170+

26

Founding signatories

Arbiters support us

Voices of Support

Support for this effort comes from across the chess community - from players, organisers and arbiters - including some highly respected figures.

IM Malcolm Pein

British chess player & captain, chess organiser, author, and journalist.

IA Takis Nikolopoulos

Legendary Chess Arbiter, educator, and distinguished former chairman of FIDE’s Arbiters Commission.

Renowned International Arbiter, lecturer, and co-author of the current FIDE Laws of Chess.

IA Ashot Vardapetyan

In late 2024, controversy over Fair Play decisions at major events led arbiters to question the creation of a separate Fair Play title system. Early 2025 saw 26 leading arbiters submit a letter to FIDE calling for Fair Play to return under arbiters’ responsibility.

Support quickly grew to over 170 arbiters and hundreds of public signatories. Despite strong backing from FIDE Council members for a unified system, final decisions have stalled while discussions continue between commissions.

Where We Stand

The Council’s commitment and the constructive progress already achieved are recognised and appreciated. However, several months have now passed without the remaining decisions being finalised. A timely conclusion would provide much-needed clarity and confidence to arbiters and the wider chess community.

Training for All Arbiters

Fair Play knowledge belongs in every arbiter’s toolkit, not a separate circle. Unified training raises standards for everyone.

One Unified System

Fair Play and Arbiter roles should work together as one team under the Chief Arbiter — with one shared pathway and one title system.