The Chess Federation of Ukraine appealed to the SBU regarding Podoliak’s appointment to FIDE
фото: facebook М.Подоляк
The Chess Federation of Ukraine stated that it did not authorize Mykhailo Podoliak to represent Ukraine in the International Chess Federation (FIDE). The organization also appealed to the Security Service of Ukraine with a request to evaluate his actions and demands that he not be appointed as FIDE Vice-President.
This is stated in a statement by the Chess Federation of Ukraine.
The FSU noted that on September 26, 2026, the FIDE General Assembly elected Timur Turlov as the new president of the organization. According to the Federation, since October 2022, he has been under sanctions imposed by the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine and put into effect by the decree of the President of Ukraine.
According to the FSU, during the General Assembly meeting, Turlov announced the appointment of Mikhail Podoliak and Russian citizen Pavel Kolobkov to the positions of FIDE vice presidents.
The Ukrainian Chess Federation emphasized that Podoliak has no relation to the organization and chess life in Ukraine.
“The FSU demands that Mykhailo Podoliak and Pavlo Kolobkov not be appointed as FIDE vice-presidents,” the statement says.
The FSU also stated that the membership of the Russian Chess Federation in FIDE is currently suspended, so Pavel Kolobkov, who previously held the position of Minister of Sports of the Russian Federation, cannot hold positions in the organization.
The Federation also stated that Podoliak’s actions during a full-scale war, in its opinion, undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and negatively affect its image.
“The FSU asks the Security Service of Ukraine to assess the actions of Mykhailo Podoliak and initiate a criminal case for betrayal of the national interests of Ukraine,” the Federation noted.
Recall that the Chess Federation of Ukraine stated that it does not support the candidacy of Kazakh billionaire Timur Turlov in the FIDE presidential elections . The statement came after Mykhailo Podolyak, a freelance advisor to the President’s Office, agreed to join Turlov’s team.
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