IDF’s Official Response to the FMJD’s (EDC) Unlawful Actions

In light of recent developments in the world of draughts, it seems necessary to offer a measured yet substantive assessment of the current situation regarding the activities of the FMJD—an organization claiming international status.

Contrary to existing legal, collegial, and international agreements, officials of this organization have announced the holding of the “European Brazilian Draughts Championship.”

But let’s start with something else. Since the IDF was established as an independent organization focused on the development of 64-square draughts, we have consistently held major competitions every year. Here are some highlights from 2024–2025.

The World Championship was held—athletes from 27 countries across 4 continents participated, with a prize fund of $57,000!
The European Championship was held—athletes from 17 European countries participated, with a prize fund of €25,000!
And the participants aren’t just random people off the street or tourists! To qualify for these major competitions, athletes had to go through national trials or qualify based on their results from previous European Championships, World Championships, and World Cups!

Youth European and World Championships are held annually. For example, the last World Championship featured over 170 athletes from 12 countries!

The 2024–2025 World Cup was held over eight stages, including events in Turkey, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, and Russia. A total of 412 athletes from 24 countries participated!

We strive to work effectively to promote 64-square draughts, and the results mentioned above serve as a testament to our efforts.

Previously, a legally binding cooperation agreement was signed with the FMJD. It clearly delineated areas of responsibility: the FMJD was granted the right to develop draughts on the large board, while the IDF was responsible for the development of 64-square draughts.

However, these agreements were unilaterally terminated without following the necessary legal procedures.

In November 2025, the IDF held talks with the newly elected head of the FMJD, Janek Mägi, after he took office. Verbal agreements were reached regarding the intention to return to normal, legally sound relations. It was also agreed that the IDF would not encroach upon the realm of large-board draughts. The head of the FMJD personally confirmed this verbal agreement.

However, on May 14, the so-called “European 64-Square Draughts Championship (Brazilian version),” organized by the FMJD, kicked off.
There are 12 participants from 5 countries, with men and women playing together! And there are only three women in total!!! The prize fund consists of 80% participant fees, meaning less than 1,200 euros.
This raises many questions, one of which is: what is the point of this whole spectacle? Why break agreements on the division of development areas just to hold a tournament for three athletes?

List of participants in this event : https://results.fmjd.org/tournaments/2026/f_2749/list_of_players.html

The FMJD views the holding of this tournament as an attempt to discredit all forms of draughts except 100-square draughts. They are portraying 64-square draughts in a negative light, thereby suggesting that 100-square draughts are more popular and more developed—but that is not the case!

We would also like to note that in September 2026, the IDF will host the World Championship for the international and Brazilian versions of 64-square checkers. About 30 countries are expected to participate. The tournament’s prize fund will exceed $60,000.

We are making tremendous efforts to develop our game, and we will not tolerate those who deliberately harm our common cause through their actions!