Board Changes

Summary by AI ^BETAClose X

World Chess Plc announced that Neil Rafferty will resign from the Board of Directors effective May 11, 2026, after serving as Interim Chair and Director since the Company's IPO. The Board expressed gratitude for his contributions and has initiated a formal process to appoint a new Chair. This announcement contains inside information as stipulated under Regulation 11 of the Market Abuse (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019/310.

Disclaimer*

World Chess PLC

12 February 2026

World Chess Plc

("World Chess" or the "Company" or the "Group")

Board Changes

World Chess (LSE: CHSS), a leading chess organisation that develops and operates worldchess.com, the official online gaming platform of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), announces that Neil Rafferty has resigned from the Board of Directors, effective from 11 May 2026.

Mr Rafferty has given three months' notice in accordance with his contractual obligations and will continue to fulfil his duties as Interim Chair and Director until 11 May 2026, or until a new Chairman is appointed, whichever occurs first.

Statement by the Board

The Board would like to express its sincere gratitude to Neil for his valuable contribution and dedicated service to World Chess since the Company's IPO. Neil has played an important role during a significant period in the Company's development, and his insights and commitment have been greatly appreciated.
The Board thanks Neil for his service and wish him every success in his future endeavours.

Chairman Succession
The Company has commenced a formal process to appoint a new Chair at the earliest opportunity.

This announcement contains information which, prior to its disclosure, was inside information as stipulated under Regulation 11 of the Market Abuse (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019/310 (as amended).

For more information, visit: www.worldchess.com or contact:

World Chess Ilya Merenzon, CEO	merenzon@worldchess.com

AlbR Capital Limited - Financial Adviser David Coffman / Dan Harris	+44 (0) 20 7469 0930

Notes to Editors

About World Chess Plc

World Chess (LSE: CHSS) is a leading chess organisation that develops and operates worldchess.com, a subscription platform with over one million users and the official online platform of the International Chess Federation (FIDE). The Company organized several World Chess Championships, including in New York and London. It organises the Armageddon Series and produces The World Chess Show, distributed across more than 50 international markets. More at worldchess.com.

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