FIDE’s VP Georgios Makropoulos dies as chess world flocks to Samarkand

Georgios Makropoulos, one of the most influential administrators in modern international chess, has died aged 72, FIDE confirmed earlier on 15 September. He died at a time when the world chess community is gathering in Samarkand for the 46th Chess Olympiad and the FIDE Congress.

FIDE has called Makropoulos «one of the most influential figures in international chess administration over the past four decades.» 

«Few people have been as closely involved in the development and governance of international chess across such a long and transformative period. Georgios Makropoulos devoted much of his life to chess,» the organisation said in a statement posted on X. 

FIDE is deeply saddened by the passing of Georgios Makropoulos, FIDE Vice President, Honorary President of the Greek Chess Federation, International Master, seven-time Greek Champion, and one of the most influential figures in international chess administration over the past four… pic.twitter.com/tzuQ3EJPLP

— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) September 15, 2026

Makropoulos has served as a FIDE vice president from 1986 to 1990, secretary general from 1990 to 1996 and deputy president from 1996 to 2018 before returning to the vice-presidency in 2022.  

Read more: Caruana, So and Sindarov headline Chess Olympiad in Samarkand

Makropoulos’ death precedes FIDE Congress

Makropoulos was closely associated with the Greek Chess Federation as well, serving as its president for many years. He was involved in organising major chess events in Greece, including the 1984 and 1988 Chess Olympiads in Thessaloniki.

He also remained active in chess development shortly before his death. In May, FIDE reported that Makropoulos was leading the Strategic Planning Committee of the Greek Chess Federation’s school-chess programme, aimed at expanding organised chess education across the country.

Makropoulos’ death comes at a particularly consequential moment for FIDE, just days before its governing body was due to convene in the Uzbek city. The 2026 FIDE elections are scheduled for 26-27 September, with delegates from national federations set to vote on the organisation’s next leadership. 

Read more: From Sindarov to Madaminov: Uzbekistan’s five Chess Olympiad hopefuls