The Chess Federation of Russia look set to move from the ECU to the ACF ©FCR

The Chess Federation of Russia (FCR) looks set to change its continental body from the European Chess Union (ECU) to the Asian Chess Federation (ACF) - in what could be the first instance of a Russian federation moving to Asia due to the fallout from the invasion of Ukraine.

The International Olympic Committee's (IOC) openness to the reinstatement of athletes from Russia and Belarus, after recommending their suspension in February 2022 - for future competitions including the Paris 2024 Olympics, has led to pathways being explored to allow the country to compete internationally again.

One of these suggestions came from the Olympic Council of Asia, who proposed Russians compete in Asian competition, a continent with less resistance to the country, compared to Europe, which has shown more solidarity with Ukraine.

FCR's affiliation with ACF goes as far back as April 30 in 2022 when the organisation sent a letter to the ECU, stating its intent to change body, after the International Chess Federation (FIDE) banned Russia from team events.

To date, the FCR has not withdrawn from the ECU.

Russian chess players have been competing in European competitions, but could soon be playing in Asian Championships instead ©Getty Images
Russian chess players have been competing in European competitions, but could soon be playing in Asian Championships instead ©Getty Images

"Any Federation that is a member of the ECU may request termination of membership in the union and withdrawal from the continental zone," said the ECU in a statement. 

"These zones are determined by the statutes and rules of FIDE.

"According to the recent repeated statements by the head of the FCR Andrey Filatov, the transition to the ACF is a purely technical matter, the decision will be confirmed at the General Assembly of the Asian Federation.

"If the ECU does not receive a clear statement from FIDE against this move, we will consider that the FCR has received a green light for the transition to Asia. 

"Given the date of the General Assembly and the fact that the Federation cannot belong to two continents at once, the ECU expects the FCR to withdraw from its membership by February 24."

February 24 would mark the one-year anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine.

Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President of the Asian Chess Federation, is set to preside over the transfer of Russia from the European Chess Union at its General Assembly next month ©ACF
Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President of the Asian Chess Federation, is set to preside over the transfer of Russia from the European Chess Union at its General Assembly next month ©ACF

With the potential switch affecting players from Russia, the ECU added it would allow those unable to travel to Asia to compete at the European Championship in Belgrade in March, with a special status under the FIDE banner.

The ACF, headed by United Arab Emirates businessman and former military officer Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, is due to hold its General Assembly in Abu Dhabi between February 26 and March 3.

That event that could see the FCR formally move from the ECU to the ACF.