The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has asked the Vietnam Chess Federation to provide a formal explanation regarding the organization and financial handling of two chess coaching courses held in Vietnam in 2026.
In its official communication dated May 22, FIDE said it has launched a review and compliance verification process, focusing on course organization, payment collection, bank accounts used to receive funds, financial obligations, and the issuance of certificates.
The courses in question took place in Hai Phong from March 7 to 9 and in Ho Chi Minh City from April 25 to 27. According to FIDE, preliminary information suggests that the activities are directly linked to Mr. Nguyen Minh Thang, Vice President and General Secretary of the Vietnam Chess Federation.
FIDE stated that it has received materials indicating that some payments made by participants, including those described as official FIDE fees or certificate-related fees, may not have been transferred to official accounts of either FIDE or the Vietnam Chess Federation. Instead, certain payments appear to have been sent to personal bank accounts under Mr. Thang’s name.
The organization also reported that participants were initially informed of a course fee of VND 3.5 million (133 USD). However, during the courses, they were asked to pay additional amounts in order to obtain FIDE certificates. These extra charges were not clearly specified in the original course announcements. In Hai Phong, participants reported paying an additional VND 1.5 million (57 USD), while in Ho Chi Minh City the amount was VND 2 million (76 USD).
In addition, FIDE noted that some participants were told that the collected funds had already been transferred to FIDE and that delays in certificate issuance were due to administrative procedures. As of May 22, however, FIDE stated that it had not confirmed receiving the corresponding official fees in line with its financial regulations.
“FIDE considers that this matter is no longer merely a technical issue of delayed certificate issuance,” the organization stated. “It is a serious matter concerning the validity of course organization, the payment collection process, receiving bank accounts, and financial obligations to FIDE.”
As a result, FIDE has temporarily suspended the issuance of certificates for participants of the two courses while the verification process is ongoing. The organization added that any payments made after the start of the verification process will not automatically serve as grounds for issuing certificates unless all relevant issues are clarified.
FIDE has requested Mr. Nguyen Minh Thang to submit a written explanation detailing the authority under which the courses were organized, how payments were collected, which accounts received the funds, the status of any transfers to FIDE, and the reasons participants have not yet received certificates.
At the same time, the Vietnam Chess Federation has been asked to provide full documentation, including course records, participant lists, payment evidence, bank account details, and any communications with participants regarding certificate issuance.
FIDE also instructed all parties to preserve relevant documents, electronic data, bank records, and communications without alteration or deletion during the review process.
The organization warned that if the verification confirms that payments were collected as FIDE-related fees but not transferred in accordance with its procedures, or that personal accounts were used to receive such payments, it may submit the case to competent authorities in Vietnam for further handling.
FIDE further requested the Vietnam Chess Federation to consider interim measures to ensure the objectivity of the process, including restricting individuals involved from handling documentation, contacting participants, or managing payments related to the courses until the matter is clarified.
The federation has been given seven working days to provide a full response. Failure to clarify the flow of funds and responsibilities may lead to further action under FIDE regulations.
According to a participant from the Hai Phong course who requested anonymity, two transfers were made to a bank account under the name Nguyen Minh Thang: VND 3.5 million on February 23 and VND 1.5 million on March 7.
On March 23, after the course ended, participants received an email from FIDE requesting a fee of 50 euros (58 USD). The class in Hai Phong had around 60 participants. The instructor reportedly said that this amount would be paid by the Vietnam Chess Federation using funds already collected from participants.
Following FIDE’s notice, a participant asked for clarification in the class group chat on the morning of May 23. Mr. Thang responded that certificates had been issued for previous classes and that the current class would have to wait for FIDE’s verification to be completed. By noon the same day, previous messages in the group chat were no longer visible, and participants were unable to send new messages.
The training courses were part of a broader program conducted in Vietnam under FIDE’s framework for chess education, aimed at training teachers, coaches, and individuals involved in chess instruction. The Ho Chi Minh City course was held at Van Lang University and led by International Master Ton That Nhu Tung.
When contacted on May 23, Mr. Nguyen Minh Thang did not respond. The President of the Vietnam Chess Federation, Mr. Pham Van Tien, said he was abroad but aware of the situation.
In its explanation, the Vietnam Chess Federation stated that both courses were organized in accordance with FIDE procedures. It said that additional fees collected from participants who wished to receive certificates were also in line with FIDE regulations.
The federation added that after each course, FIDE would issue an invoice for payment. According to its statement, fees for the Hai Phong course have already been transferred, while payment for the Ho Chi Minh City course is pending an invoice from FIDE.
The Vietnam Chess Federation affirmed that it has complied with FIDE requirements and committed to cooperating with the verification process to ensure the rights of participants and handle the matter in a transparent and accountable manner.
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