The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has announced that Grandmaster Ilya Smirin will no longer work as a commentator.
This comes after Smirin reportedly made sexist comments during a live broadcast at the Women’s Grand Prix on September 27, 2022.
In its statement, FIDE noted that the comments from the Israeli grandmaster were unacceptable and offensive.
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“Although we have great respect for Grandmaster Ilya Smirin as a chess player, the views he expressed on air are completely unacceptable, offensive, and do not represent any of the values that FIDE stands for.
“Therefore, we unreservedly apologise to all those who were offended. Additionally, GM Smirin will not continue as a FIDE commentator with immediate effect,” part of the statement read.
According to the statement, FIDE noted that its aim is to change the narrative of chess as purely a men's world.
Grandmaster Ilya Smirin during his commentating stated that chess is "maybe not for women" adding that a woman played like a man.
Smirin was bashed by several female chess players who called for a public apology and for him to be sacked over the said comments.