FIDE extends fee waiver for Rapid and Blitz through 2026

(source: https://www.fide.com/fide-extends-fee-waiver-for-rapid-and-blitz-through-2026/)

The FIDE Council—the organization’s strategic and oversight body—stated that the decision aims to expand player participation and promotion of chess.

These rating fees, covered by federations, are outlined in the Financial Regulations of the FIDE Handbook. According to the regulations, “All rated tournaments are subject to rating fees. The FIDE Council, at its sole discretion, may waive or reduce rating fees for Rapid and Blitz tournaments for a given year.”

The fee waiver was first introduced for the 2021-2024 period. Since then, nearly 60,000 Rapid and Blitz tournaments have been rated (59,603), with the estimated waived fees exceeding €2.2 million.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich noted that this helps not only federations and organizers but also players.

While rating fees are a source of revenue for FIDE, this waiver is widely welcomed by national federations as it supports both organizers and players,” said FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich.

“We believe this is not the right time to impose additional financial burdens. Instead, federations can redirect these funds toward increased prize pools and greater opportunities for players—which is fantastic news for the chess community.”

Nebojsa Baralic – an International Arbiter who has also organized many chess events in his native Serbia and the Balkans, welcomed the news of the decision to continue waiving the rating fees.

“This initiative eases financial pressures on organizers and federations while encouraging more Rapid and Blitz events,” said International Arbiter Nebojsa Baralic. “Support like this is crucial for the growth of chess, especially in regions with limited resources. By reducing financial barriers, we can have more grassroots tournaments and create opportunities for players at all levels.”

Baralic further highlighted the positive impact on arbiters and organizers: “With reduced financial constraints, we can focus more on the quality and accessibility of events, ensuring that our sport reaches a broader audience.”

The decision has been added to the FIDE Handbook and takes effect immediately.