STORY: The world governing body of chess has suspended Russia, which has long been the dominant force in the game.

The move comes after a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). 

In March, the CAS upheld a complaint by Kyiv, which accused Russia of taking control of chess in occupied Ukrainian territories.

It gave Moscow 90 days to hand back control of chess bodies in five regions and stop holding tournaments there.

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On Wednesday, the International Chess Federation, or FIDE, said that Russia had failed to meet the deadline.

As a result, the country's membership of the body has been suspended with immediate effect.

Ukraine's chess federation called the decision an "historic victory", though some accused the organization of leaving a big loophole. 

Under the new ruling, Russian adult players may still compete in tournaments under the FIDE flag but not their own.

Juniors will still be able to compete under their country's flag.

FIDE also said Russian players may be eligible to participate in team events under a neutral flag, pending further decisions.

Russia has a deep and storied chess tradition. 

In cities across the country, amateurs can be seen playing in parks at virtually any time of year.

This amateur player says the suspension is a big loss for the entire sport, and will hurt both Russia and the international chess community.

Another player said sports and politics should stay separate, calling the situation "nonsense."

The suspension contrasts with global sports' recent trend of readmitting Russian competitors after doping and Ukraine-war sanctions.

At recent Olympics, the country's athletes could only compete as neutrals, without their national flag.