FIDE election update

Kirsan Ilyumzhinov statement on RCF May events
Published by Gazeta.ru

FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov: The situation reminds me of the one in the early 90s, where Kasparov and Karpov were involved and then, as you know the chess world became divided into two parallel organizations, with two champions. And now unfortunately, they start to split the chess world again. One of them wants to become President of Russia, and the other one – President of FIDE. But we live in democracy. It is a pity that they are splitting the RCF. FIDE has reacted to Karpov’s words about corruption in our organization. 20th april we had the Presidential Board of FIDE and our Ethics Commission led by R. Rivello invited Karpov to tell exactly where he sees corruption. But if there is no such a thing, he should apologise.

In 15 years we have not had any single scandal. Then Karpov realized that he has not made a mistake. Our budget is transparent, and once a year we have an external audit, and our Treasurer makes a report. It is difficult for me to respond to Karpov’s statements, as he is out of reality, although he is a member of the Presidential Board and three years ago he officially was nominated a FIDE representative to the IOC. He is speaking about things which are not taking place. Such crisis in the RCF cannot influence FIDE.

Will you be against if Karpov runs for FIDE Presidency not from Russia, but from other countries?

No, I will not. We have democracy. Let him run from France, Japan, Zimbabwe or any other country.

More on the topic

Russian Chess Federation names Ilyumzhinov FIDE candidate
RCF May 14 events
Interview with Dvorkovich
Statement by FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov

Arkady Dvorkovich interview regarding RCF candidate for FIDE President
Who is Arkady Dvorkovich plus interview by Gazeta.ru

Was there a possibility to have the meeting of the Board in one place?

– In accordance with the Federation’s statutes, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board collects its members and organizes a meeting in one place. We informed the Chairman of the Executive Board of the Federation A. Bakh where the meeting should be taking place.

Unfortunately, the information was not delivered to all Board members by him. My assistants in the same day were on the phone with the members of the Supervisory Board a few hours before the start of the meeting. Unfortunately, the position of the Chairman of the Supervisory Board on the issue of the FIDE Presidential candidate led to the fact that it was impossible to organize the meeting.

I am sure that there is a chance for consolidation, but it needs caring for chess and not following personal interests.

–Can we speak about a split in the leadership in the Russian chess under the circumstances?

First, the colleagues do have contradictions on a number of issues. Second, they have dual information, which is explained by non-fulfillment of my decisions. This situation is for the first and last time. We shall reach consolidation, otherwise the Federation will not be able to perform its functions, thus damaging chess development. We should forget our hurt feelings, we want to work constructively.

Are you read to respond to the reasoning of A. Karpov in respect of the today’s state of chess in Russia and the world?

Yes, I am. In the last years, we have done the minimum of what is necessary, and chess is not now in order. There will be serious changes in politics, and the decision on the candidacy of K. Ilyumzhinov was taken based on the discussions with him and his team of necessary changes. And he is ready for them. There is a draft programme which shall be announced in the nearest future and will find support in chess society. The system of administration, including on a personal level, needs changes. Professional chess does not have enough sponsors, but our work during the last month showed what can be changed under the conditions mentioned by me.

Karpov also accused RCF that it does not pay attention that his candidacy is supported by large national federations.

– Everything will be decided at the GA of FIDE in September in Khanty-Mansiysk and we shall know who voted for who. I am ready to believe that many Federations will support Anatoly for his authority in the world. But Kirsan is a more authoritative figure in the chess world, if you take all FIDE membership as a whole. It is not acceptable for any chess functionary to say that any specific country is more important than the other. All countries should be equal for him.

–Will it be strange for you if Karpov shall run from another country?

Yes, it will be strange for me. I personally shall not be against, and shall call on my colleagues not to object, if Mr. Karpov shall run from another Federation. This is my opinion. Although according to the FIDE Statutes, a Federation can do it. And this case there will be minimum 2 candidates. Besides them, we do not see anybody else so far.

My position is to have several candidates not one..

There is not much time for the solution of the Russian CF situation and consolidation of its members, as the deadline for the FIDE Presidential candidates is 20 June. Dvorkovich said that “in the next couple of days we think we shall register the Federation’s statutes, which shall make our meetings legitimate. After that the Supervisory Board shall meet. We look forward to the understanding of our colleagues, that they will put common interests higher than their personal hurt feelings. We calculate that the Statutes can be registered by the end of next week. I think we will need two more weeks to organize another meeting. As we publish the materials of the Agenda of the Board to media, they will demand the discussions in these two weeks. I.e. we we will be on time with our decisions. The official candidate has been named – it is Kirsan, although colleagues think it is not legitimate.

(Text of the interview in Russian)

More on the topic

Russian Chess Federation names Ilyumzhinov FIDE candidate
RCF May 14 events
Interview with Dvorkovich
Statement by FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov