Bouchra Kadiri has made history for Moroccan chess. The president of the Royal Moroccan Chess Federation was elected vice-president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) on 26 September 2026 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. She is the first Moroccan to hold this position within the world governing body.
The election took place during FIDE’s 97th Electoral General Assembly, with representatives from 194 member federations taking part in the proceedings. Bouchra Kadiri was a candidate on the ticket led by Timur Turlov, who was elected FIDE president for a four-year term.
Bouchra Kadiri at FIDE: a first for Morocco
The election of Bouchra Kadiri marks a first for Morocco within FIDE’s leadership structure.
She has headed the Royal Moroccan Chess Federation for several years. The Moroccan National Olympic Committee presents her as the president of the national federation, responsible in particular for the national team and the Moroccan championships.
FIDE has also published a profile of her career, recalling that Bouchra Kadiri is the first woman to become president of the Royal Moroccan Chess Federation.
Elected on Timur Turlov’s leadership team
Bouchra Kadiri ran as part of the team led by Timur Turlov in the FIDE elections.
The Kazakh official won the presidential race after a second round of voting, securing 110 votes against 85 for German candidate Vadim Rosenstein. His term will last four years.
The new vice-president therefore joins FIDE’s leadership team for the organisation’s next governance cycle.
Bouchra Kadiri advocates a stronger African role
After her election, Bouchra Kadiri expressed her determination to contribute to the development of chess and to defend the interests of the Arab and African worlds.
In a message published after the vote, she also highlighted the importance of a FIDE that offers all member federations, regardless of their size or resources, opportunities for development and a real voice in international decision-making.
This vision is in line with her long-standing commitment within regional and international chess bodies.
A committed leader for chess development in Morocco
Before becoming FIDE vice-president, Bouchra Kadiri had already held several responsibilities in the chess world.
FIDE particularly highlights her playing career. She became Moroccan champion in 1984 and won a bronze medal at the Arab Championship the following year.
As head of the Moroccan federation, she has overseen the expansion of the national chess network. According to FIDE, the number of registered clubs rose from 12 to 39 under her leadership.
Stronger Moroccan presence in international chess bodies
The election of Bouchra Kadiri to FIDE follows several international responsibilities she has already assumed.
She has served as vice-president of the International Association of Francophone Chess (AIDEF) and of the Mediterranean Chess Association. She has also taken part in FIDE’s work during previous international meetings.
In 2024, she was already representing the Royal Moroccan Chess Federation in activities related to the FIDE Congress.
A new responsibility for Moroccan chess
With this election, Bouchra Kadiri now holds a position within the global governance of the sport.
Her term begins as FIDE is seeking to promote chess among new audiences and to strengthen cooperation between its member federations.
For Morocco, this presence at the top of FIDE represents a new level of representation in an international sports organisation. It also opens a new chapter in the career of Bouchra Kadiri, who will now be called upon to take part in the work of the world body.
External sources:
Don’t miss out on the latest news from the diaspora!
Sign up for our next newsletter to receive our practical guides, advice (on procedures and investment) and the latest news for French nationals living abroad, delivered straight to your inbox.
