Chess governing body FIDE is willing to allow some players and teams from Russia and Belarus, such as those with disabilities or children aged under 12, return to international events.

Chess governing body FIDE's general assembly on Sunday upheld a ban on Russian and Belarusian players imposed after Moscow invaded Ukraine in February 2022, while backing a move to consider easing restrictions on disabled and junior players.

Russia's chess team is to remain banned from international competitions, officials have ruled. In a dramatic move, an International Chess Federation (Fide) general assembly meeting in Budapest voted to maintain sanctions against Russia and its ally,

The top body in chess has rejected a proposal to readmit Russia and Belarus, but will consider allowing players under 12 or with disability to take part in events.

Delegates from 66 countries supported a last-minute proposal by the FIDE Council to let some players and teams from Russia and Belarus, such as those with disabilities or children aged under 12, return to international events.