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Shohreh Bayat: The Iranian Chess Referee Challenging the Status Quo
Shohreh Bayat, a courageous chess referee, has been making waves in the chess world by standing up for what she believes in, even in the face of adversity. Three years after fleeing Iran, Bayat continues to fear for her safety and future after challenging the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and its president over her choice of clothing at a tournament in October.
In 2020, Bayat made headlines in Iran for not wearing the appropriate headscarf at the Women’s World Chess Championship in China and Russia. Despite facing criticism and pressure from the regime, she refused to compromise her principles, leading her to seek asylum in the UK out of fear of punishment.
Now, three years later, Bayat finds herself at odds with FIDE and its president for wearing clothes in support of the Iranian protests and the people of Ukraine. At the 2022 Fischer Random World Chess Championship in Reykjavik, Iceland, Bayat took a stand by wearing a t-shirt with the motto of Iranian people ‘WomanLifeFreedom’ to show solidarity with women’s rights in Iran.
However, her act of defiance did not go unnoticed. A FIDE official unofficially asked her to refrain from wearing the t-shirt, citing the need for arbiters to dress with decorum and discretion. Bayat, feeling that she had not violated any rules, chose to wear the t-shirt again the next day, only to be asked once more to remove it, this time at the behest of FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich.
Bayat, feeling that she was being unfairly targeted, responded to Dvorkovich’s request but ultimately acquiesced by not wearing the t-shirt the following day. Despite her compliance, Bayat was removed from the arbiter commission and has not been invited to any FIDE events since the incident, despite being recognized as the best female arbiter in Europe in 2022.
The situation raises questions about the role of politics in chess and the importance of standing up for human rights. Bayat believes that Dvorkovich’s actions were influenced by Russia’s ties to Iran, as Iran continues to support Russia with military aid for the war in Ukraine. FIDE has denied any political motivations behind their actions and emphasized the need for officials to maintain neutrality while on duty.
The chess community has rallied around Bayat, with notable figures like US grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura and Magnus Carlsen’s coach Peter Heine Nielsen showing support for her cause. Despite the challenges she faces, Bayat remains resolute in her commitment to standing up for women’s rights in Iran and supporting those who are fighting for freedom and justice.
As Bayat continues to navigate the complexities of politics and sport, she remains grateful for the outpouring of support she has received and is determined to keep fighting for what she believes in. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for one’s principles, even in the face of adversity.
