FIDE President Timur Turlov has scheduled an Extraordinary General Assembly for December 27 at 14:30 CET. The online meeting marks the first full delegate gathering since Turlov won the presidency, and it signals that unresolved issues from his election remain on the table.
Turlov promised earlier this year that FIDE would convene another General Assembly before 2026 ended. He delivered on that commitment with the October 26 announcement, giving the federation's delegates two months to prepare for the virtual session.
The timing matters. Turlov's election as FIDE president was contentious. His victory came after a competitive campaign against other candidates, and not every delegate left satisfied with how things unfolded. An Extraordinary General Assembly is FIDE's mechanism for addressing matters that cannot wait for the ordinary congress cycle. The fact that Turlov is invoking it now, rather than waiting for the next scheduled gathering, tells you there are things he wants resolved before year's end.
The invitation does not specify which issues will dominate the agenda. FIDE's statement merely references matters "still outstanding." That vagueness is typical. Formal notices usually withhold details until closer to the meeting date. Delegates will receive a full agenda in advance of December 27, and that document will clarify what Turlov intends to put before the federation.
Several possibilities exist. The assembly could address governance changes Turlov wants to implement during his tenure. It might tackle rule amendments or policy questions that have been pending. It could also revisit procedural matters from the election itself if enough delegates request it. In federated organizations like FIDE, extraordinary sessions often serve as pressure valves for constituencies unhappy with recent decisions.
The online format is practical but worth noting. Holding the meeting virtually removes travel barriers for delegates in far-flung chess nations. It also means participation will likely be high, which Turlov probably wants for legitimacy. An in-person congress would require delegates to travel during the holiday season, which would suppress turnout.
Turlov has been FIDE president for less than a year, and already he is summoning the delegates back. That reflects either his eagerness to move his agenda forward quickly or evidence that internal opposition to some of his decisions has reached a threshold where formal action became necessary. Possibly both.
The December 27 assembly will be Turlov's first real test of delegate support since taking office. How the vote goes on whatever matters he puts before them will shape his presidency for the years ahead.