I want to express my sincere appreciation to @CovingtonLLP for their invaluable help in our recent CAS case representing the Ukrainian🇺🇦 Chess Federation.
At the same time, I want to share what a unique experience it was working with them. 🧵
1/12
At the same time, I want to share what a unique experience it was working with them. 🧵
1/12
We had handled the case ourselves within FIDE’s internal system.
But CAS was a completely different level.
Our opponents had vast resources—top Russian🇷🇺 & Swiss🇨🇭 law firms, backed by major funding.
We had… nothing.
2/12
But CAS was a completely different level.
Our opponents had vast resources—top Russian🇷🇺 & Swiss🇨🇭 law firms, backed by major funding.
We had… nothing.
2/12
Even the initial CAS fee felt impossible.
The Ukrainian🇺🇦 Ministry of Youth and Sport stepped in to cover the 40,000 CHF fee, allowing the case to proceed.
But the imbalance in legal representation remained enormous.
3/12
The Ukrainian🇺🇦 Ministry of Youth and Sport stepped in to cover the 40,000 CHF fee, allowing the case to proceed.
But the imbalance in legal representation remained enormous.
3/12
Then something unexpected happened.
“Pro bono” legal help—something I had only seen in movies—suddenly became real.
Still, I was skeptical.
Deadlines were short. Materials were hundreds of pages.
Would they really manage? Would they care?
4/12
“Pro bono” legal help—something I had only seen in movies—suddenly became real.
Still, I was skeptical.
Deadlines were short. Materials were hundreds of pages.
Would they really manage? Would they care?
4/12
After our first meeting, all doubts disappeared.
We met a team of 8 highly motivated professionals who quickly understood the case in depth.
They matched our passion—but brought a level of legal expertise we simply didn’t have.
5/12
We met a team of 8 highly motivated professionals who quickly understood the case in depth.
They matched our passion—but brought a level of legal expertise we simply didn’t have.
5/12
The best comparison I can make is from chess.
It felt like an amateur asking a Grandmaster for advice.
You may try your best—but there are always deeper ideas, hidden consequences, and critical details you just don’t see.
6/12
It felt like an amateur asking a Grandmaster for advice.
You may try your best—but there are always deeper ideas, hidden consequences, and critical details you just don’t see.
6/12
I’m proud of the work we did ourselves before the FIDE Ethics Committee.
But before CAS, we clearly needed help.
Our opponents focused on legal technicalities—we would not have been able to match that alone.
7/12
But before CAS, we clearly needed help.
Our opponents focused on legal technicalities—we would not have been able to match that alone.
7/12
The hearing itself was fascinating.
Unlike FIDE’s written process, CAS includes an oral hearing—like a real courtroom.
This was our only chance to respond directly to our opponents’ arguments.
8/12
Unlike FIDE’s written process, CAS includes an oral hearing—like a real courtroom.
This was our only chance to respond directly to our opponents’ arguments.
8/12
One moment stood out.
During a short break, our team regrouped under time pressure to decide what mattered most.
It reminded me of World Championship matches—seconds analyzing and prioritizing in minutes.
Focused. Precise. Professional.
9/12
During a short break, our team regrouped under time pressure to decide what mattered most.
It reminded me of World Championship matches—seconds analyzing and prioritizing in minutes.
Focused. Precise. Professional.
9/12
This time, I stayed completely quiet—and just watched.
10/12
10/12
While the experience itself was remarkable, what matters most is the result.
To the Covington & Burling team—Dave, Paris, Alex, Justin, Luis, Roy, Gabby, and Tim—thank you.
We could not have done this without you.
11/12
To the Covington & Burling team—Dave, Paris, Alex, Justin, Luis, Roy, Gabby, and Tim—thank you.
We could not have done this without you.
11/12
I hope this decision helps ensure that chess cannot be used for political purposes in illegally occupied Ukrainian🇺🇦 territories—
and that it sets a precedent for other sports as well.
12/12
and that it sets a precedent for other sports as well.
12/12
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