FIDE Expands Presidential Team with Three New Appointments

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has broadened its presidential representation and advisory team as part of organisational changes announced on 26 October 2026.

The expansion adds three senior figures to the President’s team, reinforcing the Federation’s political and institutional engagement with the global chess community and the wider sports movement.

Presidential Representative for Olympic Games Inclusion

Håkan Jalling, former President of the Swedish Chess Federation, has been appointed as Representative of the President for Olympic Games Inclusion. Jalling has been deeply involved in campaigns to strengthen chess’s standing within the Olympic movement.

Under his leadership, the Swedish Chess Federation earned formal recognition from the Swedish Olympic Committee in April 2026. He currently chairs the European Chess Union’s Chess Olympic Affairs Commission.

In his new role, Jalling will draw on Sweden’s experience to support FIDE’s objectives regarding Olympic inclusion. His responsibilities will include fostering relations between national chess federations and their respective national Olympic committees, working alongside other members of the FIDE team focused on this area.

Presidential Representative for Institutional Dialogue

Brazilian Grandmaster Darcy Lima has been named Representative of the President for Institutional Dialogue. A former President of the Brazilian Chess Federation, Lima brings extensive experience in international chess governance.

Lima will focus on strengthening institutional dialogue across the global chess community. His work will centre on facilitating cooperation between federations and encouraging the exchange of experience and best practices, in coordination with other FIDE team members operating in related fields.

Senior Advisor to the President

Appointment as Senior Advisor to the President has gone to Alexander Martynov, who will provide counsel on strategic and organisational matters. Martynov’s role includes supporting the President’s priority initiatives and contributing to the development of FIDE’s long-term agenda.

Strengthening FIDE’s Institutional Framework

The system of presidential representatives is being developed as a key channel for political dialogue and institutional cooperation within FIDE. Working alongside representatives announced previously, Jalling and Lima will help deepen the Federation’s engagement with chess organisations worldwide and the international sports movement.

Martynov’s appointment further bolsters the advisory support available to the FIDE President as the organisation pursues its strategic goals.

Source

This report is based on information published by FIDE — International Chess Federation.

Official source: https://www.fide.com/fide-strengthens-its-presidential-representation-and-advisory-team/