Player’s Undertaking for Participation in the FIDE Grand Prix 2008-2009
The World Chess Federation (FIDE) is the governing body of the FIDE Grand Prix 2008-2009 (hereinafter referred to as the GP 2008-2009). The Administrator of the GP 2008-2009 is FIDE, in collaboration with Global Chess BV.
The winner of the GP 2008-2009 will have the right to play a match against the winner of the 2009 FIDE World Cup, in order to determine the challenger for the 2011 World Championship Match.
In order to ensure that the GP 2008-2009 is played in accordance with its approved regulations and the statutes of FIDE, the following provisions shall apply:
1. Venues
1.1 The GP 2008-2009 will consist of six tournaments which will be held in various cities worldwide following a bidding procedure conducted by FIDE. Each player commits to play in four (4) tournaments as allocated by FIDE. Depending on circumstances, FIDE reserves the right to change locations and dates.
1.2 All the players of the GP 2008-2009 shall stay at the official hotels designated by FIDE and the Organisers.
2. Right of Participation
2.1 The following players have qualified (in alphabetical order):
GM Anand Viswanathan,
GM Aronian Levon
GM Carlsen Magnus
GM Gelfand Boris
GM Ivanchuk Vassily
GM Kamsky Gata
GM Karjakin Sergey
GM Kramnik Vladimir
GM Leko Peter
GM Mamedyarov Shakhriyar
GM Morozevich Alexander
GM Radjabov Teimour
GM Shirov Alexei
GM Topalov Veselin
If any of the above qualifiers decline to participate in the GP 2008-2009, they shall be replaced
according to the official FIDE Grand Prix regulations.
2.2 The qualified participants in article 2.1 are entitled to play in the GP 2008-2009. This right may only be set aside if the player does not meet the deadlines specified in this undertaking or otherwise behaves in a way and manner that is in violation of the provisions of this undertaking, in which case FIDE may designate a reserve to replace him.
3. Confirmation deadlines
3.1 The qualified players are expected to fax the document of their signed undertaking to reach the FIDE Secretariat no later than midnight, 15 February 2008 and to send the original to FIDE by registered airmail, postmarked no later than 15 February 2008. Both pages of the undertaking must be initialled by the player.
3.2 The qualified players shall register at the Tournament Secretariat in person no later than twelve hours before the time advertised for the Opening Ceremony, failing which their right of participation may be forfeited.
4. The Player’s Obligations
4.1 On signing this player’s undertaking, the player commits himself to completing the GP 2008-2009 in accordance with the regulations for the GP 2008-2009, FIDE Code of Ethics, FIDE Anti-Doping Disciplinary Regulations, FIDE Statutes, FIDE Laws of Chess and rules and regulations which form an integral part of this undertaking, save in the case of illness evidenced by a medical certificate. FIDE is entitled to require independent verification of any medical reason given for non-participation or withdrawal.
4.2 By signing this undertaking, the player agrees not to compete in any cycle, tournament or match outside of FIDE, with the purpose of establishing a World Chess Champion, for a period of 4 (four) years from the end of the GP 2008-2009.
4.3 FIDE reserves the right to penalize any player who, after signing this undertaking, fails to complete the GP 2008-2009 without a valid reason.
4.4 During the GP 2008-2009 the players have to give interviews and make appearances as described in the official regulations. Any breach can result to fines as per clause 18 of the GP 2008-2009 regulations.
4.5 The players may be required to wear clothes or apparel with special branding from sponsors when specifically approved by the FIDE President.
4.6 The players shall be required to appear punctually for the commencement of play at the start of each round. Any unjustified violation of this rule may result in a fine of up to EUR 5,000. Such a fine is to be decided by the Chief Arbiter and shall be deducted from the prize money.
4.7 The players shall be required to attend the Opening Ceremony or any official reception specifically approved by the FIDE President, failing which the following fine can be imposed by the Chief Arbiter: 5% of the player’s prize money shall be forfeited to the Organisers and a further 5% to FIDE for each breach.
4.8 The players shall attend the Closing Ceremony and failure to attend may result in a penalty up to the total prize fund. Any decision on this matter must be taken by the FIDE President and confirmed by the Presidential Board.
5. Financial conditions
5.1 Each tournament of the Grand Prix will have a prize fund in accordance with the official regulations.
5.2 In accordance with the regulations of the Tournament, FIDE receives an additional amount as contribution to FIDE by the organisers and this amount is not deducted from each individual prize.
5.3 Subject to the provisions of this undertaking, the amount to which each player is entitled will be paid by direct bank transfer not later than two weeks after the end of the Tournament.
5.4 FIDE or the Organizing Committee, will not be responsible for any application of political or financial sanctions from the organizing country regarding players of the tournament. At the same time, FIDE has no prior knowledge of such sanctions.
5.5 The game score sheets are the property of FIDE.
6. Arbitration
6.1 Any dispute arising from or related to the present undertaking must be submitted in writing to the Presidential Board, which will give its decision.
In case an acceptable solution is not found, each party may submit the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sports in Lausanne, Switzerland, who will resolve the case definitively in accordance with the Code of Sports related Arbitration. The court proceedings shall take place in English.
*************
By signing this undertaking, I hereby confirm that I will participate in the FIDE Grand Prix 2008-2009 and have in consultation with my national federation acquainted myself with the applicable FIDE Statutes, FIDE Grand Prix regulations, FIDE Code of Ethics, FIDE Anti-Doping Disciplinary Regulations, FIDE Laws of Chess and rules and regulations and accept the conditions relating to my participation.
Place and date: ………………………………
Full Name: ……………………………..……. Signature: …………………………..…………
Source: FIDE
So FIDE is doing its job for the players. What’s the USCF doing? How much money has Bill Goichberg donate to chess in 2007?
“4.5 The players may be required to wear clothes or apparel with special branding from sponsors when specifically approved by the FIDE President.”
Sooo… chess has turned into Nascar?
This Grand Prix system is a far cry from the old Zonal/ Interzonal/ Candidates System.
What a pity.
It’s sad that the USCF can’t do much to help their players. Chess in this country won’t get better as long as Goichy and his gang are in power.
It is interesting that where the players stay is mandated within the charter of the grand prix. Do any of the grand slams of tennis or golf do something like this? (No) Nor for that matter any of the other major sports … FIDE is so geared into nitpicky things like this, handshaking etc… but won’t do anything that matters – like a real WCC structure and dealing with the awful early quickie draws…
Too bad no Svidler.