FIDE Delegate Election, Short v Jones

[Paul McKeown]

Kasparov is not an ideal candidate, I think we all know his history. I asked a Russian colleague a while ago how respected he was as a political figure in Russia. She actually cried with laughter.

Very clear, very true. Russians do not take Kasparov seriously.

But if the choice between Short and Jones, is the same choice as Kasparov or Ilyumzhinov, it is a very easy decision for me.

Couldn't agree more.

Kirsan apopears to be evil and mad. Literally, without hyperbole.

A plain statement of fact.

I'd rather have Kasparov as FIDE president, warts and all. I'd rather have CJ or Alex. I'd rather have Raymond Keene. I'd rather have Steve Giddins.

Agree with that, too. I'd rather even have the howling gibbon.

I can have no respect for FIDE whilst it has a murderer as its President.

[benedgell]

One of Rupert Jones' blog entries:

http://fantasychessteam.com/?p=713

"The big meeting on Sunday morning was ‘Statutes’....Oddly there is no English Chess Federation presence considering this meeting will discuss the issues that have led to two lawsuits."

"Freeman gives us our budget and adds that of course it all depends on no more law suits. So far they have cost FIDE 1,350,000 (!) or six times 2011-12 budget. You can sense some real anger in the room."

On the second quote, I wonder whether the ECF lawsuit may have actually strengthened Ilyumzhinov's position, with him gaining more support among developing nations unhappy that FIDE resources have been used on the lawsuit rather then on other chess areas.

[Ian Thompson]

"Freeman gives us our budget and adds that of course it all depends on no more law suits. So far they have cost FIDE 1,350,000 (!) or six times 2011-12 budget. You can sense some real anger in the room."

... I wonder whether the ECF lawsuit may have actually strengthened Ilyumzhinov's position, with him gaining more support among developing nations unhappy that FIDE resources have been used on the lawsuit rather then on other chess areas.

If so, someone should make sure these nations know why FIDE wasn't awarded its full costs by the courts, and ask them to consider who is responsible for that.

[Andrew Bak]

Rupert's latest blog entry - interesting insights into day 2 of the FIDE Congress

The PGN Files #12: Congress, Delegates, Decisions and Pastries

[Roger de Coverly]

Rupert's latest blog entry - interesting insights into day 2 of the FIDE Congress

The favourite (aided by an excellent cocktail party which I failed to attend) was Baku. Apart from anything else they are budgeting 1.2 million travel grant to help developing Federations with travel costs. A big incentive always helps.

Says it all really about FIDE and its attitude to elections. Never mind the issue that a top contender and possible defending champion, Armenia, might feel unable to participate.

[Andrew Bak]

Rupert's latest blog entry - interesting insights into day 2 of the FIDE Congress

The favourite (aided by an excellent cocktail party which I failed to attend) was Baku. Apart from anything else they are budgeting 1.2 million travel grant to help developing Federations with travel costs. A big incentive always helps.

Says it all really about FIDE and its attitude to elections. Never mind the issue that a top contender and possible defending champion, Armenia, might feel unable to participate.

It was hoping someone might pick up on this, as I wasn't sure if my approach was too cynical. Essentially just offer the smaller FIDE nations a few dollars and they'll go for you no matter what.

Having said that, it's not really fair to use the fact that a country may not wish to participate as a reason for not allowing a country to host the Olympiad. It's Armenia's choice whether they wish to enter or not. We've just had the Olympics - the pinnacle of countries competing fairly no matter where they are from. If chess wants to be taken seriously as a sport, the Armenian's should put aside their difference for the sake of chess.

Of course if there might be physical harm done to the Armenian contingent in Azerbaijan, then that's a different issue.

The decision did not even go to a vote as statutes said you could only consider bids that included the World Cup as well. Baku won by acclaimation.

Why do countries who bid for the Olympiad also have to bid for the World Cup? They are two completely seperate events taking place at different times.

[Roger de Coverly]

Of course if there might be physical harm done to the Armenian contingent in Azerbaijan, then that's a different issue.

That is what the Armenian team believe, according to reports of views expressed by Aronian. It's why he refused to play there in the Candidates' tournament now to take place in London

Why do countries who bid for the Olympiad also have to bid for the World Cup? They are two completely seperate events taking place at different times.

It may well be because the World Cup is not that popular a competition that anyone else bids for it. Against that, it does enable the local organisers to test their abilities with a smaller event.

[Gerard Killoran]

In the four years to go, lets hope peace will have broken out between the two countries.

From an Armenian source:

http://www.tert.am/en/news/2012/09/09/olymp-chess-baku/

Armenia had earlier protested the decision, saying that it will be difficult for the Armenian sportsmen to compete in Baku. Azerbaijan’s Minister of Sport and Youth Azat Radimov promised later there would be no difficulties with visas and other procedures. He further did not rule out the possibility of enrolling Armenians (including the former Soviet grand master, Gary Kasparov) in the organizing committee.

[David Sedgwick]

Why do countries who bid for the Olympiad also have to bid for the World Cup? They are two completely seperate events taking place at different times.

It may well be because the World Cup is not that popular a competition that anyone else bids for it. Against that, it does enable the local organisers to test their abilities with a smaller event.

It's quite common, surely, for organisations to request bids for packages of sporting events and other franchises. This ensures that the less popular can be sustained as well as the more popular.

A topical example closer to home is that the future operating contracts for the Aquatic Centre and the Copper Box in the Olympic Park have been bundled and awarded together. The Aquatic Centre on its own might not be viable, but it's envisaged that the two together will be.

[Roger de Coverly]

I don't think I'm alone in thinking FIDE is a gravy train for those involved in its management.

I would hope the support Kirsan v oppose Kirsan debate isn't anything to do with perks for the FIDE rep. It was noticed that Nigel's predecessor, excellent arbiter no doubt that he was, did seem to get a lot of invites to major events.

But if we express it at a broader level, the ECF and more generally English/British chess seems to "get the use" of Kasparov and Karpov with its current position. What can the "pro Kirsan" lobby put on the table?

[IanDavis]

You could read http://yorkshirechess.org/boleswa-fide- ... t-success/ to help form an opinion

[William Metcalfe]

If he had bothered to Ask rupert why he played for Botswana he would have found out that Rupert worked and lived there for many years

[Peter Sowray]

I've just finished reading http://otiosechessnotes.blogspot.co.uk/ , strong stuff!

[Matthew Turner]

Peter,
It is interesting to read Simon Spivack's opinion, based as it, on well researched evidence.
However, I think at the nub of much of the debate is this

"Apparently, there are those in English chess who believe that Ilyumzhinov can be removed by boy scout methods."

What are 'boy scout methods'. Is it tough to fight a battle against Ilyumzhinov by hosting cocktail parties and hanging around with American lawyers in sharp suits? or is it tougher to have to do a lot of groundwork to get to know the FIDE delegates, and yes in some cases make alliances with people you don't really approve of, and yes in some cases pay them bigger bribes?

[Roger de Coverly]

I think at the nub of much of the debate is this

"Apparently, there are those in English chess who believe that Ilyumzhinov can be removed by boy scout methods."

Is it not at the heart of the Jones challenge and those who nominated and support him that Ilyumzhinov shouldn't be removed at all?