The World Chess Federation (FIDE) has removed Iran from the global ranking of this sport due to non-fulfillment of obligations. The Iranian federation has been in debt to FIDE since Bahman 1395 (January-February 2017) due to hosting the Women's World Championship in Tehran. There were several threats of suspension, and Iran insisted that negotiations for debt installment were satisfactory. The last payment made by the Iranian Chess Federation was $60,000, and no further action was taken to settle the full amount. $120,000 of Iran's debt remained, and the deadline set by FIDE has expired. According to Tasnim News Agency, 'FIDE suspended Iranian chess and removed its name from the global ranking to show that it is not joking about this matter.' The report states that negotiations between the Iranian federation and a sponsor who was supposed to pay this debt have not been successful so far, and Iran's suspension will continue until payment is made to the World Federation. Previously, Masoud Soltani-Far, the Minister of Sports, stated that hosting the World Chess Championship in Iran was a result of the JCPOA. This ministry had signed a hosting memorandum with the World Federation but did not agree to cover the debt amount. Iran was supposed to settle this amount completely by Esfand last year (February-March 2023). What was termed as a 'dignified hosting' of the World Championship has, according to sports media, turned into an international embarrassment due to shirking responsibilities. During the Women's World Chess Championship held in Iran, Mohammad Reza Davarzani, Deputy Minister of Sports, described this hosting as 'a record of Iran's capability' to hold the most important global competitions. Despite the news being published in official Iranian media, the Iranian Chess Federation and the Ministry of Sports of the Islamic Republic have not yet reacted to the suspension of Iran's chess activities internationally. In FIDE's ranking of member countries, Iran was in 32nd place, but now, upon checking this ranking among the 155 countries present, Iran's name is not seen. Slovenia has taken Iran's place.
Iran's Ranking Removed from World Chess Federation
The World Chess Federation has suspended Iran and removed its ranking due to unpaid debts related to hosting the Women's World Championship. Despite previous assurances from Iranian officials regarding debt negotiations, the federation failed to settle its obligations, leading to international embarrassment for Iran. This situation highlights ongoing financial and diplomatic challenges faced by the Iranian sports sector.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The World Chess Federation has suspended Iran and removed its ranking due to unpaid debts related to hosting the Women's World Championship. Despite previous assurances from Iranian officials regarding debt negotiations, the federation failed to settle its obligations, leading to international embarrassment for Iran.
- Iran owes FIDE $120,000 related to hosting the Women's World Championship.
- Iran's chess ranking was 32nd before the suspension.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran has faced various international sanctions that have impacted its economy and ability to engage in global sports. The hosting of international events is often seen as a way to improve its image.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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