The World Chess Federation (FIDE), the global governing body for chess, has controversially decided that transgender women will be prohibited from participating in its official women's chess events until an evaluation of their gender transition is carried out by the federation's officials.

New guidelines published on August 14 say individuals who transition from male to female have ‘no right’ to compete in official events for women and are suspended until a ‘further analysis’ from FIDE. That process could take up to 2 years.

The federation also addresses holders of women's titles who might opt to transition to male, indicating that these titles will be rescinded. However, the org says the possibility of reinstating these titles exists should the individual begins identifying as a woman again.

FIDE has also emphasized its authority to notify event organizers and relevant parties regarding a player’s gender transition, aiming to prevent any possible instances of ‘illegitimate enrollments in tournaments.’

On X, formerly known as Twitter, the Center for Trans Equality wrote that the new policy ‘relies on ignorant anti-trans ideas’ and is ‘insulting to cis women, to trans women, and to the game itself.’