Source: The New York Times

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September 27, 2010, 4:21 pm

Legal Challenge Fails, so Chess Federation Elections Will Be Held

By DYLAN LOEB MCCLAIN

 

A lawsuit challenging the qualifications of one slate of candidates for the top posts in the World Chess Federation has been unsuccessful. So the election will be held as originally planned on Wednesday at the Chess Olympiad that is currently going on in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia.

The court’s decision has not been released, but representatives of parties on both sides of the case have confirmed the result.

The lawsuit was brought in the Court of Arbitration for Sport by five national federations and the campaign of Anatoly Karpov, the former world champion, who is running for the presidency of the federation, which is also known by the acronym FIDE (for Fédération Internationale des Échecs). The lawsuit said that the nominations of Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, the incumbent president, and Beatriz Marinello, a member of Mr. Ilyumzhinov’s slate, were illegitimate because they had not been members of the national federations that nominated them for more than a year prior to the campaign and that was a requirement under FIDE’s rules.
Mr. Ilyumzhinov was nominated by Russia (although Mr. Karpov has also claimed that nomination), Argentina (which has since thrown its support to Mr. Karpov) and Mexico. Ms. Marinello, who has lived in the United States for 20 years, was nominated by Chile, her native country, and Brazil.

According to one person who has seen the decision in the case, the court concluded that being a member of a national federation for more than a year was a suggestion and not a requirement.

The lawsuit had also challenged whether the Russian Chess Federation nominated Mr. Karpov, as it apparently did in May, or Mr. Ilyumzhinov, as a subsequent letter from Arkady V. Dvorkovich, the acting head of the federation claimed.

It was not known if the court ruled on which candidate could claim the Russian nomination.

The campaign between Mr. Ilyumzhinov and Mr. Karpov has been highly competitive and, at times, quite nasty. Mr. Ilyumzhinov has claimed on his Web site that he has enough support to win re-election, but as some of the federations listed as his supporters are also claimed by Mr. Karpov, it is not clear if Mr. Ilyumzhinov is correct. Of course, Mr. Karpov has said that he is confident of victory.

In two days, everyone will find out who was right.

The Karpov 2010 Campaign

Why Karpov and Why Not Kirsan

September 25, 2010

The campaign is nearly over and we wanted to present a concise summary of the reasons Anatoly Karpov deserves every delegate’s vote for FIDE President. We are confident you will find the evidence is overwhelming. 15 years is enough! It is time to unite behind our Champion of Change, Anatoly Karpov!
There is still time to join the winning team! Contact Richard Conn Jr, candidate for FIDE Deputy President: rconn@karpov2010.org

Why Karpov	Why Not Kirsan
Anatoly Karpov, the 12th world champion, has dedicated his life to chess and is living legend around the world. Can give chess and FIDE a new start by returning power to the federations, maintaining “one federation one vote”, and putting professionals in charge of business and management. Will eliminate all federation fees and build commercial sponsorship. A $4 million dollar development package to promote the game and create sponsorship, especially in the Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Has assembled a strong ticket and a remarkable board of advisors that includes top executives, financial experts, and diplomats. Will put chess back on the map with events in global capitals and up-and-coming regions where they will get the attention they deserve. The internet will be used to unite the federations and the players, as well as become a source of revenue for FIDE to share with the federations. UNICEF Ambassador with decades of experience in program development. Launched dozens of chess schools around the world with a curriculum that can be adapted worldwide.	Kirsan Ilyumzhinov called chess his “hobby”. He was recently pressured out as president of Kalmykia. 15 years of broken promises. Failed commercial projects, cancelled and postponed events, unhappy players, and a development program that uses money for political influence. Never developed a business model. Federations that receive FIDE aid pay more in fees. A personal reputation that has caused humiliation for chess and made serious commercial sponsorship impossible. In the news for scandals, outrageous statements, and meetings with aliens. No growth in key areas of scholastic chess, the internet, and big events are held in places with no attention. Contract with CNC company gives away FIDE’s commercial rights to an group that may include Ilyumzhinov and/or his board members. His ticket is the same group that has done so much damage for so long. It is time for a fresh start.

12th World Champion Anatoly Karpov for FIDE President

A Champion of Change

Greetings from Khanty-Mansiysk!

Source: Susan Polgar Chess Daily News and Information

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Greetings from Khanty-Mansiysk!

I finally arrived in Khanty-Mansiysk! My route was: Lubbock, TX --> Dallas, TX --> New York --> Helsinki --> Moscow --> Khanty-Mansiysk! Thank God for Internet access :) The trip was long (2 days) but relatively smooth. A few small problems transferring from one airport in Moscow to another but that's life.

By absolute coincidence, I was on the same flight to Khanty-Mansiysk with my long long time friend Anatoly Karpov. I thought he was already in Khanty-Mansiysk but it was a pleasant surprise. I have not seen him since I believe the Dresden Olympiad where we dined together at the World Champion's Dinner with another of our long time friend Boris Spassky.

When I arrived in Khanty-Mansiysk (I believe it was something like around 3 am. Kind of difficult to keep track of different time zones.), the Olympiad organizers had people there waiting for me. My Norwegian friend Morten Sand (former FIDE VP and Counsel) was also there to meet me and to give me a ride back to the hotel. I am so lucky to be surrounded by wonderful people.

I am going to get a quick nap now then off I go to a media event in a few hours. Be sure to check back later in for more behind the scene scoops from the Khanty-Mansiysk Chess Olympiad!

Source: The New York Times

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September 22, 2010, 2:10 pm

The World Chess Federation’s Odd Marketing Partner

By DYLAN LOEB MCCLAIN

In their campaigns for the presidency of the World Chess Federation, the candidates — Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, the incumbent, and Anatoly Karpov, the former world champion — have different strategies for promoting the game if each is elected.
Mr. Karpov has laid out a marketing plan on his Web site. The plan includes organizing a world championship cycle and a global chess league similar to those in many countries, streaming chess “television” shows over the Internet with live analysis of the games from the championship cycle and the league, and selling advertising for those events.
Mr. Karpov’s plan estimates that it can generate at least $50 million a year to develop and promote chess, but does not spell out exactly where the money would come from.
Mr. Ilyumzhinov has been president of the federation, which is also known by the acronym FIDE (for Fédération Internationale des Échecs), since 1995, so his track record on promoting chess is well established.
During his tenure, there have been several world championships with prize funds of more than $1 million, but the organization of the world championship cycle has been inconsistent, angering some players. Critics say that the constant changes have made it difficult to attract sponsorship, particularly from corporations.
Not surprisingly, Mr. Ilyumzhinov has defended his record. But he and some members of the federation have also apparently come up with a plan to market chess through a parternship with a small start-up called Chess Network Company, or CNC.
Mr. Ilyumzhinov has not said anything publicly about CNC, but at a meeting last month of FIDE’s steering board in Tromso, Norway, a marketing contract with the company was discussed and, according to people who were there, approved.
To go into effect, the contract must apparently be ratified by FIDE’s general assembly when it meets next week during the Chess Olympiad. Of course, the main order of business is the election of the federation’s top officers. The election is Sept. 29.
Terms of the CNC contract have not been made available, though an earlier draft said that CNC would have exclusive marketing rights to FIDE events for the next four years. The draft also said that FIDE would receive at least $100,000 for those rights in the first year and at least $300,000 thereafter.
So who, or what is CNC? The company’s Web site contains no information about its history, and does not have an address, a phone number or an e-mail contact.
The site lists five staff, including, Anna Burtasova, a women’s grandmaster, as the chief strategy officer. The Web site says nothing of her qualifications other than “she is used to thinking strategically,” adding, “Since she is a grandmaster we just couldn’t put her lower than CSO.”
Alexandra Naydenova is the public relations manager. Her qualifications are cited as she “is an expert in everything related to the public. When you see her you will certainly understand what we mean. Already curious? That’s what we call good PR!”
The company’s Internet manager is Natalia Nedelko, and the site says her background is, “She is online at home, cafes, in her car and even in the office. Sometimes we think there is some kind of WiFi devise in her left heel. There is no better person to make the Network work.”
The event manager is Julia Elvartynova and the site says of her expertise, “To invent something absolutely new you need a person who will exceed everyone’s expectations. She fits this description perfectly!”
Only the chief executive, George Taylor, has extensive experience in marketing. He founded Sport Mondial, a sports marketing company, and worked for years with the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, or FIFA. His company ran the operations for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. He also has worked with cycling organizations and stars, including Greg Lemond, the former Tour de France winner.
Since CNC began working with FIDE, it has been involved in two events: the world championship match in Bulgaria in April and May and the current Olympiad, which opened on Sunday.
CNC is privately held. The federation owns 12.5 percent of it, according to Georgios Makropoulos, FIDE’s deputy president. In a telephone interview last month, he said the rest is owned by a company called Chess Lane that is run by David Kaplan, who used to be the federation’s director of development and who is still listed that way on FIDE’s Web site, though Mr. Makropoulos said he had left since the contract with CNC was signed last year.
Chess Lane’s Web site does not mention or list Mr. Kaplan on its Web site, though it does have an address and phone number in London. Efforts to reach Mr. Kaplan to talk with him about the company, who owns it and his involvement were unsuccessful.
Mr. Makropoulos, who declined to provide a copy of the contract with CNC, said that FIDE is not making any investment in the company. Instead, he said, all the money was coming from Chess Lane and that so far it had invested half a million dollars, though he said he could not substantiate that.
Mr. Makropoulos said that CNC has two directors from FIDE, himself and Nigel Freeman, the federation’s treasurer, and two from Chess Lane, one of whom was Mr. Taylor.
Mr. Makropoulos said that the CNC contract covered events where negotiations with organizers and sponsors have not begun, but even then CNC would not automatically be given all marketing rights. “We should study what rights we should give to organizers and what rights we should give to CNC,” said Mr. Makropoulos. He said that whatever contracts CNC signed, FIDE would get 20 percent of the gross revenue and then one-eighth (12.5 percent) of the net.
Mr. Makropoulos mentioned previous chess marketing ventures by FIDE and Mr. Ilyumzhinov, including Global Chess, that had been unsuccessful. “Now that Chess Lane is investing their own money, we are hoping for better success,” he said.
Mr. Taylor, the chief executive of CNC, who was interviewed by telephone last month, said that FIDE will continue to control marketing decisions. “FIDE has complete control of any and all events for which CNC has acquired the rights. FIDE still has to give approval for activation of those rights,” Mr. Taylor said.
He said the chess federation had made several mistakes in trying to build sponsorship in the past. Its biggest mistake was that it had only thought of events one at a time.
“Sponsors are interested in four-year platforms,” Mr. Taylor said. “That has not how FIDE has worked in the past. As a result of that procedure there was never a multiyear global platform for sponsors.”
Mr. Taylor said that events have also never left a legacy on which to build interest in chess — and in chess promotion. He said there needed to be facilities or some type of footprint left behind to keep people interested after an event ended.
He said there needs to be better educational efforts to teach people how to play in order to build the game’s fan base. “What we are going to do is to have an educational component in all events in the future,” Mr. Taylor said.
FIDE also has not done enough to capitalize on the social networking aspects of chess and to get people more involved. Mr. Taylor said, “Think about in general all these people would love to have an official ranking from FIDE.” He said that an analogous community was created around running by Nike. Mr. Taylor admitted it would not be easy. “Can you do that overnight? No.”
Mr Taylor said that he was hired early this year and that the staff was already in place. He said what he wanted to do would take a lot of work and “we do not have the personnel to do this right now.”

Elecciones FIDE: la campaña electoral resumida por Karpov

Fuente: Noticias ChessBase
 
Elecciones FIDE: la campaña electoral resumida por Karpov
Hace una semana enviamos un mensaje a los responsables de las campañas de los candidatos Ilyumzhinov y Karpov, para ofrecerles la oportunidad, como cierre de campaña y con absoluta neutralidad, de hacer un resumen de sus promesas principales, los antecedentes y argumentos, los puntos de desacuerdo con los rivales y cualquier otra nota sobre la campaña misma. Les pedimos que sus textos no sobrepasasen las 3.000 palabras y que solamente se incluyese un retrato del candidato. Dejaríamos la noticia en lo más alto de la página durante 24 horas, sin publicar las reacciones de nuestros lectores. Solo una de las candidaturas aceptó la invitación.

Lunes, 20 de septiembre de 2010

Saludos a los lectores de ChessBase.com y a la comunidad ajedrecística global de parte de Anatoly Karpov y los miembros y plantilla del equipo de Karpov2010. Extendemos nuestro saludo al presidente de la FIDE Kirsan Nikolayevich Ilyumzhinov y su equipo. Les deseamos a todos ellos buena salud y éxito en sus futuros proyectos. Gens Una Sumus.

El decimosegundo Campeón del Mundo Anatoly Karpov y su equipo empezaron su campaña a la presidencia de la FIDE porque el mundo del ajedrez está en crisis. Seis meses de campana alrededor del mundo han mostrado que la situación es peor de lo que pensábamos. Nos hemos reunido y hablado con cientos de funcionarios, jugadores, organizadores, patrocinadores y fanáticos de las federaciones locales. Su pasión por el juego nos da la esperanza de que nuestro deporte tiene un futuro brillante. Pero las historias que ellos han compartido sobre el triste estado de la FIDE hoy día nos convence de que este futuro jamás ocurrirá a menos de que haya un cambio inmediato en el liderazgo, así como las formas en que la FIDE opera.

¿Por qué Karpov?

Anatoly Karpov dedica su vida al ajedrez. Las calificaciones del ex campeón del mundo para representar y liderar la comunidad internacional del ajedrez están fuera de toda disputa. Su carácter y reputación lo hacen el embajador idea tanto para las esferas públicas como privadas. Justamente durante esta campaña, él ha sido recibido por primeros ministros y presidentes, directores de empresas y escuelas enteras, así como miles de amantes del ajedrez para quienes Karpov representa una leyenda viviente. Karpov conoce todos los aspectos del ambiente de ajedrez, desde el campeonato mundial hasta las docenas de programas escolares que ha puesto en marcha alrededor del mundo. Su experiencia como embajador de la UNICEF ha expandido sus recursos y su conocimiento de cómo hacer que las cosas se hagan en el mundo real.
Más importante aún, Karpov sabe cómo armar un equipo ganador.
Él entiende que siendo un gran jugador y representante del ajedrez no significa que pueda dirigir a la FIDE por sí mismo. Se requieren profesionales para poder dirigir un deporte profesional. El modelo de patronazgo político ha sido un desastre. Karpov ha sido capaz de reunir el pasado (su viejo rival Garry Kasparov está trabajando con la campaña) y el futuro (el número uno del mundo Magnus Carlsen, apoyando la causa con entusiasmo) Su campaña ha atraído a importantes patrocinadores corporativos y a un admirable Consejo. Como presidente de la FIDE, Karpov dirigirá el ajedrez a un deporte del siglo XXI.
La extraordinaria calidad de nuestra candidatura habla por sí misma:

• Richard A Conn Jr. (Vicepresidente, Estados Unidos). Un abogado veterano con una inmensa experiencia global y con un sinnúmero de contactos. Richard habla ruso y español y además es jugador de ajedrez. Ha viajado decenas de miles de kilómetros durante la campaña, hacienda múltiples visitas a América Latina y Asia. Todos los que le han conocido se han impresionado por el conocimiento de los problemas y su profesionalidad.
• Viktor Kapustin (Tesorero, Ucrania). Es difícil imaginar un tesorero más perfecto que él ya que combina experiencia en finanzas y bancos y la pasión por el ajedrez. El presidente de la federación ucraniana es una de las personas más estimadas en el mundo bancario en toda la región. Víctor nos ha ayudado a diseñar nuestros ambiciosos planes para la transformación económica de la FIDE y de otras federaciones.
• Adb Hamid Majid (Secretario General, Malasia). Un verdadero unificador; muchas veces parece que Hamid lo sabe todo. Y todos estiman y respetan a Hamid. Él ha sido durante décadas organizador de ajedrez en Asia. Incluso fue una de las autoridades en el torneo de candidatos entre Karpov y Timman, en su match de 1990.
• Aguinaldo Jaime (Vicepresidente, Angola). El Dr. Jaime nos aporta una formidable combinación de experiencia y reputación en África, en ajedrez y finanzas. Él es un diputado del Primer Ministro de Angola y su actuación como presidente de su federación ha mostrado progresos fantásticos.
• Alisa Maric (Vicepresidente, Serbia). Una de las más notables jugadoras de los últimos 30 años, la Maestra Internacional y Gran Maestra Femenina también tiene experiencia en la organización y en la recolección de fondos. Tiene un doctorado en mercadotecnia (es profesora universitaria en esa disciplina) y será muy valiosa en la transformación de la FIDE.

Resumen de los elementos más importantes de la ambiciosa campaña de Karpov2010

• Convertir a la FIDE en una organización profesional y responsable que sirva y apoye a las federaciones nacionales.
  Una FIDE exitosa significa federaciones exitosas. Punto.

• Poner la experiencia profesional en puestos que permitan desarrollar nuestro programa.
• Eliminar todos los pagos de las federaciones a la FIDE y reemplazar esos fondos con patrocinios comerciales.
• Reforzar la transparencia fiscal y los requerimientos éticos estándar para atraer y mantener a los patrocinadores.
• Mantener una federación, un voto y crear alianzas regionales para hacer más efectiva la cooperación entre federaciones.
  
• Lanzar un programa de desarrollo global para el ajedrez por cuatro millones de dólares así como un programa de promoción para asegurar a la siguiente generación de jugadores, entrenadores, árbitros, organizadores y funcionarios. El dinero está ahí y viene de patrocinios reales comerciales. El énfasis inicial será dado a las federaciones pequeñas, donde hay potencial para crecer y en donde la necesidad de ayuda es grande. Un aspecto importante de este programa será en la instrucción y ayuda en el desarrollo de relaciones comerciales, promoción en los medios y otras habilidades que se necesitan para desarrollar patrocinios.

• Usar la red Internet para unir a las federaciones y a toda la comunidad ajedrecística. Muchas federaciones tiene poca o nula presencia en Internet. Casi ninguna está conectada con otras. La FIDE debe proveer esto como un servicio estándar. Una mayor conectividad para las federaciones y los individuos bajo el auspicio de la FIDE puede aportar muchos servicios valiosos. Eso unirá también a los que juegan al ajedrez y acotará la marca de ajedrez FIDE, la cual podrá ser usada para generar utilidades.

• Restaurar y defender las mejores tradiciones del ajedrez, a la par que modernizar nuestro deporte. El campeonato mundial es una institución legendaria. Debería ser promovida y protegida, lo mismo que el propio juego. Los jugadores deben tener la oportunidad de crear un campeón del mundo que tenga credibilidad, lo cual sólo puede venir de un ciclo riguroso. Al mismo tiempo, debe dar nuevas oportunidades tales como eventos profesionales en Internet y hacer que el ajedrez sea un deporte olímpico, son metas a alcanzar.

¿Por qué no Ilyumzhinov?

Estamos entusiasmados sobre nuestro mensaje positivo del cambio. Pero hay negativas que no pueden soslayarse cuando se reta a un régimen que lleva 15 años con tan pobres récords. Para que el ajedrez pueda cambiar se requiere de una transformación mayor que la que la administración de Ilyumzhinov ha mostrado nulo interés o habilidad para hacer los cambios que se necesitan. El ajedrez en las escuelas, las actividades en Internet y la expansión, el crecimiento en un mundo en desarrollo, patrocinios corporativos, grandes eventos en las capitales más importantes y mercadotecnia, presencia en los medios, son algunas áreas en las que la FIDE ha declinado o se ha mantenido estancada con el régimen de Ilyumzhinov. En lugar de acciones hemos tenido siempre más promesas. Sus experimentos han fallado y los recursos que se hubieran obtenido por ellos se han evaporado.
No hay tiempo que perder.
De las muchas de las dificultades que enfrentan hoy la FIDE y las federaciones, tal vez la más alarmante sea el trato que Ilyumzhinov y sus aliados han hecho con la misteriosa compañía CNC. El acuerdo daría a CNC todo derecho comercial imaginable, dejando a la FIDE sin formas para generar utilidades como ocurre con otras federaciones deportivas.  ¿Hay acaso un conflicto de intereses? ¿Tiene Ilyumzhinov o los miembros de su equipo acciones en CNC? La falta de transparencia es fatal para un desarrollo comercial y patrocinio apropiado. Sin mayor información, pareciera que la FIDE y las federaciones están siendo robadas de nuevo, igual que con los costosos errores previos de Ilyumzhinov, FIDE Commerce y Global Chess.
La reputación personal de Ilyumzhinov se ha convertido en una responsabilidad muy seria que no puede ser reparada.
Desde extraterrestres hasta cargos de homicidio, desde matches con escándalos como el de los baños entre Topalov y Kramnik hasta eventos cancelados y ahora su más reciente fantasía: de construir un centro de ajedrez cerca de la Zona Cero en Nueva York, la humillación pública para el ajedrez continúa. Al igual que cuando tomó su cargo en Kalmukia, Ilyumzhinov entró al mundo del ajedrez con grandes promesas de dinero y modernización. Su mandato en Kalmukia ha finalizado y el de la FIDE sigue los mismos pasos. Después de 15 años es tiempo de agradecer sus esfuerzos y empezar de nuevo, con una actitud renovada.
Qué es lo que ha mostrado la campaña
La campaña a la presidencia de la FIDE ha ilustrado muchas de las quejas que las federaciones han expresado sobre la actual administración. El desdén por las leyes es marca registrada de lo que se ha exhibido antes, cuando Ilyumzhinov rechazó el reconocer el voto público del apoyo de la federación rusa a favor de Karpov. Ilyumzhinov insiste que tiene a su favor el apoyo de Rusia, a pesar de las presiones que lo llevaron a renunciar a la presidencia de Kalmukia y a pesar del hecho de que el Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores ruso está apoyando abiertamente a Karpov a través de sus llamadas oficiales a los dirigentes de las federaciones locales.
El uso inapropiado de Ilyumzhinov de los recursos de la FIDE en su campaña han hecho la tarea doblemente difícil. Cinco federaciones han sido forzadas a presentar una demanda en Lausana (Suiza) para verificar la candidatura de Ilyumzhinov y al menos uno de los miembros de su planilla, Argentina ya ha retirado el apoyo a Ilyumzhinov para presidente.
La reputación de Ilyumzhinov debida a sus declaraciones salvajes y promesas imposibles fueron validadas por sus dichos de apoyo de las diversas federaciones a su campaña. Para parecer más fuerte de lo que es, su campaña ha repetido el apoyo de federaciones de las cuales no existe ninguna prueba. Muchas federaciones se han retractado bajo protestas. Debido a las amenazas de Ilyumzhinov y sus agentes en la FIDE, muchas federaciones nos han pedido no publicar su apoyo a Karpov. Un estado de las cosas nada aceptable. 
Tal intimidación es desenfrenada y los jugadores son los que frecuentemente sufren más. Para tomar un reciente ejemplo, considérese la reacción de Ilyumzhinov a su aliado Iturry al ser despedido como cabeza de la federación peruana de ajedrez por su comportamiento impropio. Hace pocos días, Ilyumzhinov personalmente habló con el Instituto del Deporte de Perú y demandó que reincorporaran a Iturry ¡o en caso contrario podría impedir que los equipos peruanos (ya registrados y preparando su viaje) participaran en la Olimpiada de Ajedrez de Khanty-Mansiysk! Trágicamente este acto de extorsión no es atípico en la forma en que la campaña de Ilyumzhinov ha operado este año y atmbién ha sido documentado en elecciones pasadas.
Hacia Khanty-Mansiysk ¡y hasta la victoria!
La campana está prácticamente terminada. Los delegados y los participantes en la Olimpiada se aproximan a Khanty-Mansiysk. Esperamos que muchos de los cambios en vuelos y otras dificultades en la organización de la Olimpiada no interfieran con el importante evento de la elección. Desafortunadamente ya hemos recibido noticias de que algunas delegaciones han tenido que cancelar su participación debido a esas complicaciones.
Estamos ansiosos de reunirnos con todos en Khanty-Mansiysk. Esperemos contar con un proceso de elección bien llevado y honesto a pesar de las preocupaciones que han levantado los conflictos antes mencionados. El mundo del ajedrez merece una elección justa para seleccionar a su líder. Las federaciones merecen una oportunidad de tener control sobre la FIDE. Agradecemos su atención y esperamos que se unan con Anatoly Karpov en la transformación de la FIDE para hacer de ésta una organización digna de confianza de nuestro gran juego

www.karpov2010.org

Contacte con Richard Conn Jr. ¡para unirse al equipo ganador!

FIDE Presidential Election: The Karpov campaign summation

Source: ChessBase News

FIDE Presidential Election: The Karpov campaign summation
21.09.2010 – A week ago, on the basis of absolute neutrality, we invited the campaign managers of both candidates in the FIDE election to summarize their main policies, arguments and track-record, explain the areas of disagreement with the opposing side, and comment on the campaign itself. Only one of the teams accepted the invitation, and we therefore now give the summation by the Karpov campaign.

Greetings to the ChessBase.com readers and the global chess community from Anatoly Karpov and the Karpov2010 team members and staff. We also extend salutations to FIDE president Kirsan Nikolayevich Ilyumzhinov and his team. We wish them all good health and success in their future endeavors. Gens Una Sumus.

12th World Chess Champion Anatoly Karpov and his team began their campaign for the presidency of FIDE because the chess world is in crisis. In six months of campaigning across the globe, we have met and spoken with hundreds of federation officials, players, organizers, sponsors, and fans. Their passion for the game of chess gives us hope that our sport can have a bright future. But the stories they share about the sad state of FIDE today convince us that this future will never happen unless there is an immediate change in leadership and sweeping improvements in how FIDE operates.

Why Karpov?

Anatoly Karpov has dedicated his life to chess. The former World Champion’s qualifications to represent and to lead the international chess community with honor are indisputable. His experience and reputation make him the ideal ambassador to both the public and private spheres. Just during this campaign he has been received by prime ministers and presidents, CEOs and schools, as well as thousands of chess-lovers for whom Karpov is a living legend. Karpov knows every aspect of the chess environment, from the world championship to his dozens of school programs around the world. His experience as a UNICEF ambassador has expanded his resources and his knowledge of how to get things done in the real world.
Most importantly, Karpov knows how to assemble a winning team. He understands that being a great chessplayer does not mean he can run FIDE by himself. Professional managers are required to run a professional sport. The political patronage model has been a disaster. Karpov has been able to unite the past – his old rival Garry Kasparov is working with the campaign – and the future – world #1 Magnus Carlsen is an enthusiastic supporter. His campaign has attracted major corporate sponsors and a remarkable advisory board. As president of FIDE, Karpov will turn chess into a 21st century sport.
The outstanding quality of our ticket speaks for itself.

• Richard A Conn Jr., Deputy President, USA. A veteran attorney with immense global experience and a wealth of contacts, Richard also speaks Russian and Spanish and is a chessplayer himself. He has traveled tens of thousands of miles during the campaign, making multiple tours of Latin America and Asia. Everyone we have met with has been impressed by his knowledge of the issues and his no-nonsense professionalism.
• Viktor Kapustin, Treasurer, Ukraine. It is hard to imagine a more perfect Treasurer than someone with his combination of experience in finance, banking, and a passion for chess. The president of the Ukrainian federation and one of the most esteemed names in finance in the entire region, Viktor has helped design our ambitious plans for an economic transformation of FIDE and the federations.
• Adb Hamid Majid, General Secretary, Malaysia. A true unifier, sometimes it seems like Hamid knows everybody – and that everyone likes and respects Hamid. He is a long-time organizer and official who has been active in Asian chess for decades. He was even an official at the Karpov-Timman candidates match in 1990!
• Aguinaldo Jaime, Vice-President, Angola. Dr. Jaime brings a formidable combination of experience and reputation throughout Africa in chess and finance. He is a deputy to the Prime Minister of Angola and his tenure as the federation president there has seen fantastic progress.
• Alisa Maric, Vice-President, Serbia. One of the most accomplished female players of the past 30 years, the IM and WGM also has organizing and fundraising experience. Her doctorate in marketing – she is a university professor in this discipline – will be very valuable in transforming FIDE.

A summary of the main elements of Karpov2010’s ambitious agenda

• Turn FIDE into a professional and responsive organization that serves and supports the national federations. A successful FIDE means successful federations, period.
• Place experienced professionals in positions to develop our programs.
• Eliminate all fees paid by the federations to FIDE and replace that revenue with commercial sponsorship.
• Enforce the fiscal transparency and ethical standards required to attract and maintain that sponsorship.
• Maintain "one federation one vote" and create regional alliances for more effective cooperation between federations.
• Launch a four-million-dollar global chess development and promotion program to ensure the next generation of players, coaches, arbiters, organizers, and officials. The money is there and it is real commercial sponsorship. The initial emphasis will be on the small and developing federations where the potential for growth – and the need for assistance – is greatest. An important aspect of this program will be instructing and aiding in the development of commercial relationships, media promotion, and the other skills required to develop sponsorship.
• Use the internet to unite the federations and the entire chess community. Many federations have little or no internet presence. Almost none are significantly connected with others. FIDE must provide this as a standard service. Greater connectivity for federations and individuals in the chess community under the FIDE banner can provide many valuable services. It will also unite the chessplaying demographic and bond the chess brand FIDE can use to generate revenue.
• Restore and defend the great chess traditions – while modernizing the sport. The world chess championship is a legendary institution. It should be promoted and protected, as should the game itself. Players must have the opportunity to create and the world champion must have the credibility that can only come from a rigorous cycle. At the same time, new opportunities such as professional online events and making chess an Olympic sport must be pursued.

Why not Ilyumzhinov? We are enthusiastic about our positive message of change. But negatives are unavoidable when challenging a 15-year incumbent with such a poor record. For chess to thrive, a major transformation is required and the Ilyumzhinov administration has shown no interest or ability in making the needed changes. Scholastic chess, internet activities and expansion, growth in the developing world, corporate sponsorship, major events in global capitals, mainstream popularity and branding, media outreach… FIDE has declined or been stagnant in every one of these key areas under Ilyumzhinov. Instead we have yet more promises. His experiments have failed and whatever resources he brought with him have evaporated.

There is no time to waste. Of the many difficulties facing FIDE and the federations today, perhaps the most alarming is the deal Ilyumzhinov and his allies have made with the mysterious company CNC. This deal will hand to CNC every commercial right imaginable, leaving FIDE with no way to generate sponsorship and brand revenue the way other professional sports associations do. Is there a conflict of interest? Does Ilyumzhinov or anyone on his team hold shares in CNC? This lack of transparency is fatal to proper commercial development. Without more information, it looks like FIDE and the federations are being robbed again, just as with Ilyumzhinov’s previous expensive failures, FIDE Commerce and Global Chess.

Ilyumzhinov’s personal reputation has become a serious liability, one that cannot be repaired. From cancelled events to a "toilet match", from aliens to a murder case – and now his latest fantasy about building a chess center near Ground Zero in New York, the public humiliations for chess continue. Just as he did when he took office in Kalmykia, Ilyumzhinov entered the chess world with big promises of money and modernization. His rule in Kalmykia is now over and FIDE must follow the same path. After 15 years it is time to thank him for his efforts and start afresh.

What the campaign has shown about the current administration

This campaign for the FIDE presidency has illustrated many of the complaints the federations have about the current administration. Disdain for the rule of law is a trademark that was exhibited early on, when Ilyumzhinov refused to acknowledge the public vote of the Russian Chess Federation endorsing Karpov. Ilyumzhinov still insists he has Russia’s support, despite being pressured out of his Kalmykian presidency and despite the fact that the Russian Foreign Ministry is now openly supporting Karpov by having consular officials call local federation heads.

Ilyumzhinov’s inappropriate use of FIDE resources in his campaign has made our task doubly difficult. Five federations were forced to bring a lawsuit in Lausanne to verify the validity of Ilyumzhinov’s nominations and those of at least one of his ticket members. Argentina has already withdrawn its nomination of Ilyumzhinov for president.

Ilyumzhinov’s reputation for wild statements and impossible promises was validated by his claims of federation support during the campaign. In order to appear stronger than it is, his campaign has repeatedly
claimed the endorsements of federations without any evidence. Several have had to be retracted after protests. Due to threats from Ilyumzhinov and his agents in FIDE, many federations have asked us not to publicize their endorsement of Karpov, an unacceptable state of affairs.

Such intimidation is rampant, and the players are often the ones to suffer. To take one very recent example, consider Ilyumzhinov’s reaction to his ally Iturri being forcibly removed as the head of the Peruvian chess federation for improper standing. Just days ago Ilyumzhinov called the Peruvian Institute of Sport and demanded that they reinstate Iturri or he would prevent the Peruvian teams – already registered and preparing to travel – from participating in the Chess Olympiad in Khanty-Mansiysk! Tragically, this blatant act of extortion is not atypical of how Ilyumzhinov’s campaign has operated this year and, as documented, in previous elections.

On to Khanty-Mansiysk and Victory!
The campaign is nearly over. The delegates and Olympiad players are heading to Khanty-Mansiysk. We hope the many changes in flights and other difficulties in the organization of the Olympiad do not disrupt this cherished event or the election. Unfortunately, we have already received news that some delegations have had to cancel their participation due to these complications.
We look forward to meeting everyone in Khanty-Mansiysk. We hope we can count on a smooth and honest election process despite the concerns raised by the above-mentioned conflicts. The chess world deserves a fair election to select its leadership. The federations deserve a chance to take back control of FIDE. We thank you for your attention and we hope you will join Anatoly Karpov in transforming FIDE into an organization worthy of our great game.

www.karpov2010.org

Contact Richard Conn Jr. to join the winning team!

La Federación de Ajedrez de Puerto Rico endosa a Karpov

En la publicación del día de hoy periódico de mayor circulación en la isla el presidente de la Federación de Ajedrez de Puerto Rico y siguiendo el mandado expresado por la matricula el Lic. Omar Añeses expresa su apoyo a la candidatura a la presidencia de la FIDE del GM Anatoli Yevgénevich Kárpov y citamos:


"Añeses indicó que esta Olimpiada reviste un especial interés pues se celebrará en el marco de la elección del nuevo presidente de ese organismo. Entre los candidatos para ocupar ese puesto se encuentra el actual presidente, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, y Anatoly Karpov, ex campeón mundial y a quien Puerto Rico le dará su apoyo."

Véase publicación en el Nuevo Día

_____________________________________________________________________

Canada Endosa a Karpov - Siguiendo el elemplo de Puerto RIco

CFC buckles under enormous public pressure

Source: SPRAGGETT ON CHESS

''Democracy in action'', as Karpov described a similar situation in Puerto Rico earlier this summer!  The CFC Executive, coming under enormous pressure from its membership--as well as international pressure--has finally decided to declare publically its support for a candidate for the FIDE presidency later this month.  The CFC Executive has decided to support the choice of the vast majority of CFC membership--including myself--former world champion Anatoly Karpov. 

While I personally have nothing against the incumbent president Ilyumzhinov, I feel that 15 years is time enough and that the future of FIDE should begin today.

It is , however, with deep reservations that I herald this decision, no doubt taken only with great reluctance by a very embarrassed Canadian federation.  Never in the history of Canadian chess has the CFC behaved  with such shame and disgrace as in recent months. Here is the public announcement, just minutes ago posted on the CFC message board:

_____________________________________________

The following announcemnt has been approved by the CFC Executive.

Canada Chooses Change

The Chess Federation of Canada is supporting Anatoly Karpov as the next FIDE President.  The Chess Federation of Canada wishes to thank the current FIDE administration for its dedication and service. Tangible improvements have been made in the past 4 years. We believe that new leadership will serve to elevate our beloved game even further.

Hal Bond

FIDE Delegate

Canada

More False Claims from Kirsan: China, Peru

September 16, 2010 

It has become standard for the Ilyumzhinov website to list federations as supporting him without providing any evidence. In several cases he has been forced to remove flags from his list, most recently Argentina’s, but it is clear he has no shame and the practice continues. The latest cases are Peru and China.

As widely reported, the Peruvian federation president, Iturry, who supported Kirsan against the wishes of his players and community, was removed from office — it turned out he was never the legitimate office holder. He was replaced by a working group appointed by the IPD (Instituto Peruano de Deporte), which has oversight over the chess federation. And while the working group (“Comisión Transitoria de Ajedrez del IPD”) has not made an official endorsement of either candidate for the FIDE presidency, they have withdrawn the federation’s support of Kirsan Ilyumzhinov and expressed support for the agenda of Anatoly Karpov.
That’s another flag to lower, Mr. Ilyumzhinov.

The case of China is more typical. Kirsan claims to have the support of the Chinese federation, but their website says nothing about it and officials there say there has been no endorsement. How many other flags on Kirsan’s list are like this? Claims and numbers with no facts and no evidence? If Kirsan believes his own numbers we expect he will be in for quite a surprise at the General Assembly in Khanty-Mansiysk. Meanwhile, he hopes to fool other federations with his claims of support.

Despite his bravado, some of the Kirsan campaigns desperate moves reveal they are not confident at all. Their website has a bizarre story from a Lebanese official talking about pressure from a completely fictional “Karpov representative” named “Beatrice Bord.” We have never heard of this person and Google agrees it is likely she is a figure of someone’s imagination. We understand that Ilyumzhinov is infamous for receiving visitations from mysterious people no one else can see, and now we are afraid it is contagious to his supporters!

Los jugadores argentinos apoyan a Karpov

En una suscinta respuesta a los ataques de Kirsan Ilyumzhinov a la campaña de Karpov por supuestas “prácticas antidemocráticas”, pueden verse más abajo cerca de 100 firmas de jugadores argentinos que apoya a Anatoly Karpov para presidente de la FIDE. Después de tantos años de su regla autocrática en Kalmykia y la FIDE, esto es una especie de soporte desde la raíz que Kirsan simplemente no entiende.
El presidente de la Federación Argentina, Nicolás Barrera, respondió al deseo de los constituyentes, los jugadores de Argentina. Ilyumzhinov debería aprender bien cómo es que las cosas supuestamente trabajan, en lugar de hacer tratos en la trastienda para beneficiar a un pequeño grupo sin importarle la mayoría. Entre los nombres que pueden ver más abajo encontrará al joven Gran Maestro Diego Flores, junto con la leyenda Oscar Panno.  Les agradecemos a la comunidad argentina por su iniciativa y apelamos a los jugadores y fanáticos del ajedrez, para que hagan la diferencia, contactando a sus federaciones locales.

Nosotros, los abajo firmantes, jugadores, organizadores y amantes del ajedrez de Argentina, expresamos nuestro deseo del cambio en la FIDE bajo el liderazgo del décimo segundo campeón del mundo, Anatoly Karpov, y su aliado, el campeón mundial trece, Garry Kasparov. La Federación Argentina de Ajedrez (FADA), debe reconsiderar su posición de apoyo a Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, cuya dirección en la FIDE ha causado un gran daño a la reputación y tradición de nuestro deporte. Ha llegado el tiempo de unirnos detrás de dos grandes campeones, para restaurar el honor y la integridad de nuestro deporte. Argentina tiene una tremenda tradición de ajedrez y debería estar lidereando el camino a esa transformación.

[Datos DNI difuminados por razonres de privacía.]

También disponible en: Inglés

Karpov: ¡Eliminaré todas las cuotas de las federaciones a la FIDE!

September 11, 2010

En su declaración más fuerte hasta ahora, de hacer que la FIDE sirva a las federaciones y al desarrollo global del ajedrez, Anatoly Karpov anunció que quitará todas las cuotas que las federaciones pagan a la FIDE en su primer término como presidente. Karpov ha dicho anteriormente que apoyaba el eliminar las cuotas a las federaciones de los países en desarrollo, pero ahora se ve que la única forma correcta de dirigir esto a la transformación de la FIDE es eliminar todas esas cuotas.

“LA FIDE debe ser refundada en sus propósitos para servir a las federaciones y deben darse pasos importantes para que esto ocurra rápidamente. Uno de los más importantes es la eliminación de las cuotas que las federaciones pagan a la FIDE. Es claro, para esta campaña, que hay suficiente patrocinio potencial bajo un liderazgo profesional que haga que la FIDE no dependa en muy corto plazo de sangrar a las federaciones. En mi primer término quitaré todas las cuotas tan pronto como sea posible. Incluso, muchas federaciones en dificultades, que han recibido apoyo de la propia FIDE ¡actualmente pagan más en cuotas que lo que reciben en ayuda! ¿Cuál es el punto en todo esto?
Como Nicolás Barrera , el presidente de la Federación Argentina de Ajedrez, dijo, cuando anunció el apoyo a mi candidatura, el dinero de la federación debe ir al desarrollo y promoción del ajedrez en los niveles locales y regionales. Y la FIDE debería usar su alcance global y autoridad para generar utilidades que puedan ayudar a las federaciones en estas tareas .”

También disponible en: Inglés

F.A.D.A. APOYA A ANATOLY KARPOV

Fuente: Federación Argentina de Ajedrez

PRESIDENTE FIDE

2010 - 2014

Buenos Aires, 5 de Septiembre de 2010

Comunicado de la

Federación Argentina de Ajedrez

A la Comunidad Ajedrecista Nacional e Internacional

Por intermedio del presente mensaje tengo el agrado de dirigirme a Uds. a efectos de poner en vuestro conocimiento los avances en las gestiones desarrolladas ante las principales autoridades nacionales y provinciales, en función de las reuniones celebradas en los últimos días.

Como es de vuestro conocimiento, en uso de las potestades estatutarias, esta conducción ha logrado configurar una posición clara, razonable y convincente en el concierto internacional, interpretando la necesidad de asumir un papel trascendental en cada uno de los ámbitos de la propia Federación Internacional de Ajedrez (F.I.D.E.), asumiendo con destacado protagonismo la defensa de intereses públicos de envergadura y haciendo valer la tradición ajedrecística que se vive en estas latitudes y que concentran la atención de las principales figuras deportivas, políticas y económicas del planeta.

Con esfuerzo y dedicación, durante esta década de gobierno, trabajando en equipo hemos logrado avanzar en diferentes campos, permitiendo el desarrollo ajedrecístico en nuestro país, generando cuadros técnicos que merecen el reconocimiento internacional.  Dicho desarrollo se evidencia en la organización de eventos ajedrecísticos de primera calidad, en los diferentes segmentos competitivos, el reconocimiento del ajedrez como herramienta de inclusión social, como variable elemental en la búsqueda de calidad y excelencia académica, la generación e implementación de normativas que regulan el crecimiento de la disciplina, apelando al fortalecimiento institucional de las entidades de base que permita el progreso de la entidad rectora nacional; la histórica participación del país en cada una de las Olimpiadas desarrolladas, canalizando el reconocimiento económico indispensable en la loable tarea de jerarquizar el ajedrez formativo y competitivo.

Todos y cada uno de estos objetivos los hemos logrado trabajando unidos, debatiendo las diferentes posiciones en espacios institucionales con diálogo fructífero, apoyando a las autoridades continentales pese a la indiferencia de los dirigentes centrales, evidenciadas en el débil compromiso de atender a los reclamos económicos que esta entidad ha gestionado en reiteradas oportunidades, observando la indefinición de la mayor preocupación de esta conducción: la histórica deuda que hemos heredado y que continúa agotando los recursos económicos genuinos del ajedrez argentino.

Asimismo, hemos observado que sí existe voluntad política y apoyo económico por parte de F.I.D.E. en canalizar estos acuerdos en aquellas naciones que han evidenciado un camino sinuoso y errático en el desarrollo del juego ciencia, menoscabando nuestros esfuerzos en la construcción de una nueva identidad para el ajedrez mundial, entendiéndolo como espacio de encuentro real entre las personas, sin distinción de género, status económico, filiación ideológica y/o religiosa.  Ajedrez como instancia de encuentro inter generacional que permita crear nuevos futuros.

Como es de público conocimiento hemos recibido y conversado con el Sr. Kirzán Ilyumzhinov , Presidente de la F.I.D.E., apoyando su candidatura, convencidos de una adecuada lectura política e institucional, sosteniendo la misma visión que le ha permitido a nuestra entidad sobrevivir a las dificultades y contingencias reinantes, continuando con el mandato histórico de fortalecer a la F.A.D.A. como entidad rectora del juego ciencia en el país.  Corresponde señalar que hemos aguardado que el equipo de campaña del Sr. Karpov se contactara con la F.A.D.A. a efectos de conocer y someter a consideración de los dirigentes y representantes de la comunidad ajedrecística, su plataforma y programa de gobierno.  Recién el sábado 4 de septiembre hemos aceptado participar de una reunión, a pedido de la Secretaría de Deporte de la Provincia de Buenos Aires , con el Sr. Kasparov, máximo referente del equipo de trabajo del Sr. Karpov.

Reconociendo y destacando el apoyo que las autoridades nacionales y y provinciales continuamente le han brindado al ajedrez argentino, luego de analizar en profundidad el estado de situación y las consecuencias a corto y largo plazo que se desprenden del posicionamiento adoptado tanto a nivel nacional como internacional, generando acuerdos con las máximas autoridades provinciales y nacionales, la Mesa Ejecutiva de la F.A.D.A. ha decidido reconsiderar su posición en la próxima Asamblea F.I.D.E. retirando la nominación al Sr. Kirán Nikoláyevich Ilyumzhinov y reorientando el voto argentino a favor del Sr. Karpov.

Convencidos que las gestiones celebradas con las máximas autoridades han sido abordados con convicción y racionalidad, reconociendo el esfuerzo de los dirigentes que acompañan el camino del desarrollo de este apasionante juego, con indispensables intervenciones y esperanzador esfuerzo, sentimos el orgullo de comunicar que hemos defendido, en función de las posibilidades, nuestra misión de desarrollar el juego en todo el territorio nacional. 

Fraternalmente.

Ramón Nicolás V. Barrera

   PRESIDENTE F.A.D.A.

Argentina Supports Karpov! Ilyumzhinov’s Nomination Withdrawn

September 6, 2010

In a statement posted to the Argentine Federation website, President Nicolás Barrera announced that after careful consideration of Anatoly Karpov’s plans for the future of chess, FADA was changing its position to support the former world champion.
Argentina has also withdrawn its nomination of Kirsan Ilyumzhinov for the FIDE presidency. The decision came after long conversations with Garry Kasparov, who visited Argentina and Chile to meet with officials both to promote chess and the Karpov campaign.

FADA President Nicolás Barrera

Argentina is a traditional chess powerhouse — home to multiple world junior champions, Olympiad medal winning teams, and the host of countless elite and junior events in its long chess history. It was concern for this rich legacy that Mr. Barrera said was his prime motivation for endorsing the ambitious development plans Karpov has announced.

“If we do not build from the ground up, there is no hope for long-term success,” he said in an interview with Argentine Grandmaster Miguel Quinteros, which will be published in full shortly. “It was a difficult decision, but it is time for a new start. For Argentine chess, and for FIDE, the future is today.”

Kasparov and Barrera had long talks, which also included Argentine Sports Minister Claudio Morresi and the Governor of Buenos Aires province, Daniel Scioli, who are both fans of the “juego-ciencia” or “game-science,” as chess is often called in Spanish. Barrera argued strongly for the elimination of all federation fees paid to FIDE, saying, “this money should go to local development so we can create a the next generation of chess players, organizers, and teachers.”

Anatoly Karpov agrees entirely with this vision. “Mr. Barrera is quite correct! FIDE should distribute what it earns in commercial sponsorship to the federations instead of taking from them. I will phase out all federation fees to FIDE in my first term as president.”

Karpov was also in Argentina recently, and he spoke enthusiastically about the South American nation’s chances of hosting the 2016 Chess Olympiad. “It will have been nearly 30 years since Argentina hosted an Olympiad, too long for a nation with such excellent chess traditions. That [1978] Olympiad was also the last time the event was hosted in the western hemisphere, which is completely against FIDE’s mission to spread chess world-wide.” Argentina also hosted the 1939 Olympiad, which led to many players staying in the country when hostilities broke out in Europe during the event.

Also available in: Russian, Spanish

Source: The New York Times

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September 6, 2010, 11:28 pm

Kirsan Ilyumzhinov Resigns as President of Kalmykia

By DYLAN LOEB MCCLAIN

Dmitry Astakhov/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, right, meeting with Vladimir Putin, who was then Russia’s president, in the Kremlin in August 2006.

Kirsan Ilyuzmhinov, the president of the World Chess Federation, who is running for re-election as head of the organization, has announced that he is resigning as president of Kalmykia, a Russian republic on the Caspian Sea. Ilyumzhinov is 48 and has been president of Kalmykia since 1993.

He made the announcement, which is dated Sept. 7, on his campaign Web site.
Ilyumzhinov said that he made the decision voluntarily so he could devote more time to promoting chess. Nevertheless, in recent months the Kremlin has been cleaning house — forcing many long-time leaders of Russian republics to step down at the end of their terms, among them Murtaza G. Rakhimov of Bashkortostan, Eduard Rossel of Sverdlovsk Oblast and Mintimer Shaimiyev of Tatarstan.
The Russian central government appoints the presidents of the republics and they serve at the discretion of the Kremlin. Ilyzumzhinov’s term in office was due to expire next month.


There had been rumors for months that Ilyumzhinov would not be reappointed. Only two days ago, the campaign Web site of Anatoly Karpov, Ilyumzhinov’s opponent in the upcoming chess election, carried a story from RBC Daily, a Russian business newspaper, that Ilyumzhinov was being forced out.
Though the Kremlin has never said anything about whether Ilyzumzhinov would be reappointed, it is possible that his penchant for talking about his abduction by aliens, which he has mentioned many times, as well as the mysterious source of his wealth and the impoverished state of Kalmykia finally weighed too heavily on him politically.

Now that he will no longer be president of Kalmykia, all of Ilyumzhinov’s eggs are in one basket: winning re-election to the federation, which is also known by the acronym FIDE (for Fédération Internationale des Échecs). He has been president of the federation since 1995.

The election is supposed to be Sept. 29 during the biennial Chess Olympiad, which this year is in Khanty-Mansiysk, Siberia. But the election may not happen.

Karpov, along with five national federations, have filed a lawsuit with the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland, seeking to have Ilyzumzhinov’s election ticket disqualified.
The lawsuit alleges that Ilyumzhinov and one member of his slate, Beatriz Marinello, are not members of the national federations that nominated them — as required by FIDE’s rules. Ilyumzhinov was supposedly nominated by Russia (though Karpov, who is also Russian, disputes this), Argentina and Mexico.
Yesterday, Chessbase, a chess news Web site, (which has been attacked by Ilyumzhinov’s campaign as biased) reported that an Argentinian government official has said that Ilyumzhinov is not a member of the federation. Karpov is also claiming that Argentina’s federation is now supporting him and has withdrawn its support for Ilyumzhinov. That seems to be the case from the Web site of the Argentinian federation.
The arbitration court is holding a hearing on the lawsuit on Sept. 15 and 16.

Ilyumzhinov claims that he has the support of 93 federations, which is more than enough to be re-elected. (Each federation gets one vote and there are about 165 voting members.) Of course, Russia and Argentina are among the countries that Ilyumzhinov is saying support him, and Karpov is saying that they will vote for him, so the situation is clearly fluid.

___________________________

Source: Chess Base News

Ilyumzhinov resigns as President of Kalmykia
07.09.2010 – We informed our readers that this could happen in a July report. Now Kirsan Ilyumzhinov has, in his own words, "requested not to be considered for another term as head of the Republic of Kalmykia" – where he has served as President since 1993. From now on he wants to devote his attention fully to FIDE, which he has served since 1995. Statements and press reports.

Kirsan Ilyumzhinov Resigns as President of Kalmykia To Focus On FIDE

Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, the President of Kalmykia since 1993, has requested not to be considered for another term as head of the republic. Ilyumzhinov intends to focus solely on developing chess around the world as President of the World Chess Federation (FIDE).

“I served as President of Kalmykia for a very long time. Now I hope to apply my 20 years of political and government experience as well as my connections and friendship with heads of state and regional governments to the efforts of making chess more popular and a successful game,” said Ilyumzhinov in an interview.

Russian and western media discuss Ilyumzhinov’s resignation and acknowledge that it’s quite rare in Russia for a top politician to walk away from his post.

“I made this decision because I realize that promoting and developing chess around the world is a full-time job and it requires all of my attention. At the moment we are implementing such important programs as ‘chess in the school curriculum’ ,“ said Ilyumzhinov, adding, “I remember that my predecessor, 5th FIDE President Florencio Campomanes, asked me to run for FIDE President back in 1995, in Paris. It was then that he told me that chess was his life, that he lives and breathes chess and that if I felt the same way, that I would love this job too. I thought it over and agreed. Thinking back on this now, it is not even a hard decision to leave politics. I am extremely happy to be able to spend my time promoting and developing this great game.”

Source: Ilyumzhinov campaign site

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Statement of the FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov

There is also a very critical statement by Ilyumzhinov on the campaign site. It accuses the rival candidates, ex-World Champion Anatoly Karpov and his team of politicising the election and, interestingly, using anti-democratic tactics. Excerpts:

Unfortunately, from the very start, the electoral campaign of Anatoly Karpov and leaders of his headquarters Garry Kasparov and Richard Conn, has become a political confrontation. From the very beginning their actions have been destructive, aimed at the schism of the chess world and National Federations to serve their political ambitions, which have nothing to do with chess life.
Such destructive tactics, where “any means to an end”, is used by A. Karpov, G. Kasparov and R. Conn in many countries of the world, including those which officially and openly expressed their support at the forthcoming elections. ... This looks particularly strange, considering the fact that G. Kasparov feels that he is an adherent of democratic principles.
For the record, as a Russian citizen, it is not pleasant for me to see and read some interviews of G. Kasparov to foreign media, where he is expressing open aggression towards the country and its leader. Here we mean the country which has provided Mr. Kasparov with shelter and protection during his difficult moments, and which has contributed immensely to his personality growth and professional success.

Full statement on the Ilyumzhinov campaign site

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Eccentric Russian regional strongman to step down
A Russian regional leader who claims to have visited an alien spaceship says he is retiring. Kirsan Ilyumzhinov told Interfax agency Monday that will step down after his term expires in October. Since 1993, Ilyumzhinov has headed the predominantly Buddhist southern province of Kalmykia. The arid, impoverished area is dominated by Mongol-speaking Kalmyks. Ilyumzhinov has also been president of FIDE, the International Chess Federation governing body, since 1995. Aside from the spaceship claim, Ilyumzhinov says he uses hypnosis in daily communication and consults clairvoyants in his business affairs. Rights activists have accused him of cronyism, corruption, rights abuses and squandering government funds on chess championships and Buddhist temples.

Kirsan Ilyumzhinov Resigns as President of Kalmykia

Kirsan Ilyuzmhinov, the president of the World Chess Federation, who is running for re-election as head of the organization, has announced that he is resigning as president of Kalmykia, a Russian republic on the Caspian Sea. Ilyumzhinov is 48 and has been president of Kalmykia since 1993.
Ilyumzhinov said that he made the decision voluntarily so he could devote more time to promoting chess. Nevertheless, in recent months the Kremlin has been cleaning house – forcing many long-time leaders of Russian republics to step down at the end of their terms. The Russian central government appoints the presidents of the republics and they serve at the discretion of the Kremlin. Ilyzumzhinov’s term in office was due to expire next month.
Though the Kremlin has never said anything about whether Ilyzumzhinov would be reappointed, it is possible that his penchant for talking about his abduction by aliens, which he has mentioned many times, as well as the mysterious source of his wealth and the impoverished state of Kalmykia finally weighed too heavily on him politically.
Now that he will no longer be president of Kalmykia, all of Ilyumzhinov’s eggs are in one basket: winning re-election to FIDE. He has been president of the federation since 1995. The election is supposed to be Sept. 29 during the biennial Chess Olympiad, which this year is in Khanty-Mansiysk, Siberia. But the election may not happen. Karpov, along with five national federations, have filed a lawsuit with the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland, seeking to have Ilyzumzhinov’s election ticket disqualified.
The lawsuit alleges that Ilyumzhinov and one member of his slate, Beatriz Marinello, are not members of the national federations that nominated them – as required by FIDE’s rules. Ilyumzhinov was supposedly nominated by Russia (though Karpov, who is also Russian, disputes this), Argentina and Mexico.
Yesterday, Chessbase, a chess news Web site, (which has been attacked by Ilyumzhinov’s campaign as biased) reported that an Argentinian government official has said that Ilyumzhinov is not a member of the federation. Karpov is also claiming that Argentina’s federation is now supporting him and has withdrawn its support for Ilyumzhinov. The arbitration court is holding a hearing on the lawsuit on Sept. 15 and 16.
Ilyumzhinov claims that he has the support of 93 federations, which is more than enough to be re-elected. (Each federation gets one vote and there are about 165 voting members.) Of course, Russia and Argentina are among the countries that Ilyumzhinov is saying support him, and Karpov is saying that they will vote for him, so the situation is clearly fluid.

Kalmyk endgame
Ilyumzhinov admits that Medvedev may not reappoint him. “It’s been a long time already, it’s quite possible I’ll be leaving,” he told RBC. The paper also spoke with Alexander Ledzhinov, who was a colleague of the Kalmykian opposition journalist Larisa Yudina, killed in 1998 with former Ilyumzhinov aides jailed for the murder. As for Ilyumzhinov, there were rumors several months ago that he would be offered a post in the Russian Ministry of Agriculture. But he says he will not leave Kalmykia. Since so much of Ilyumzhinov’s personal financial dealings are directly connected with the finances and authority of Kalmykia after 17 years in absolute power there, it will take time to clean house.

Kalmykia Leader to Quit
Kalmykia President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov said Monday that he would not seek reappointment after his fourth presidential term expires in October, Interfax reported. Ilyumzhinov cited President Dmitry Medvedev’s policy of rotating regional leaders as the reason for his decision and said he would support any successor put forth by Medvedev and the ruling United Russia party. United Russia did not name any possible candidates Monday. Ilyumzhinov, who has led the Buddhist republic since 1993, said he would try to organize a visit by the Dalai Lama and hoped to continue as the president of the International Chess Federation. He is running for re-election in the chess federation later this month.

Kalmyk president to step down
Kalmyk President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov plans to step down after his current term expires next month. Ilyumzhinov, who has headed his Volga republic for almost 17 years, is foursquare behind President Dmitry Medvedev's drive to bring new blood into the regional leadership. He says he will stay in the republic, where he is going to organize the visit of the Dalai Lama and continue in his capacity of president of the International Chess Federation. The past year has seen the departure of several veteran governors some of whom had ruled their regions since 1991.

Voices from Kalmykia

For all the attention devoted to Kirsan Ilyumzhinov as FIDE President, his role as Head of the Republic of Kalmykia remains more of a mystery. Daria Aslamova’s recent two-part report offered a fascinating glimpse into everyday life in the small steppe republic. Daria is one of Russia’s more colourful journalists. She catapulted to fame after writing a kiss-and-tell memoir on her encounters with the political establishment, but since then has reported from war zones (an English journalist described her “lively dispatches of the Moll-Flanders-goes-to-war variety”) and has recently been writing in-depth reports from the edges of Europe for the most popular Russian daily newspaper, “Komsomolskaya Pravda”. The original report from Kalmykia can be found here: part one, part two. An English summary is to be found at Chess in Translation.

 

News / From Our Bureaus

Eccentric President Of Kalmykia To Step Down After 17 Years

Kirsan Ilyumzhinov

September 08, 2010

ELISTA, Russia -- The president of the southern Russian republic of Kalmykia has announced he will not seek reelection for the post he has held since 1993, RFE/RL's Russian Service reports.

Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, 48, is the first and only president of Kalmykia, a predominantly Buddhist republic north of the Caucasus.

He said on September 7 he will not stand again for office because he supports "the policy of [Russian President Dmitry Medvedev] aimed at renewing the leaders of the regions."

Ilyumzhinov added that he will support any candidate supported by Medvedev and put forward by United Russia, of which he is a member.

Basan Gorodovikov, the deputy chairman of the civil group the Emergency Rally of the People of Kalmykia, told RFE/RL that Ilyumzhinov's resignation has been met with enthusiasm by opposition groups in the region.

"There was relief among the residents of Kalmykia on hearing the news that Ilyumzhinov will not be a candidate for another term," he said. "After 17 years of Ilyumzhinov's rule, Kalmykia is in a dire economic state. The republic has regularly ranked last in all statistics for the Russian Federation."

Kalmykia, which has a population of some 300,000, is one of Russia's poorer regions. Ilyumzhinov has faced fierce opposition to his eccentric rule, which his opponents say was marred by corruption and gross mismanagement.

Gorodovikov said he hopes Medvedev will "put right the mistakes made by his predecessor [Vladimir Putin]."

Political scientist Andrei Makarkin told RFE/RL he does not think Ilyumzhinov's retirement as president marks a victory for Medvedev against Putin's regional presidential selections.

"This is the latest step in the firing of the heads of the regions who are seen as deep-rooted veterans," Makarkin said. "Like with [the recently retired former president of Tatarstan, Mintimer] Shaimiyev and [the former president of Bashkortostan, Murtaza] Rakhimov."

Makarkin said the most-interesting thing about Ilyumzhinov stepping down is that he was not allowed to appoint a successor.

Ilyumzhinov, who has served four terms as president, said he will leave his post on September 24.

Ilyumzhinov has also been the president of the World Chess Federation (FIDE) since 1995. He spent millions of dollars building a Chess City on the outskirts of the capital, Elitsa, and introduced mandatory chess classes for elementary school students.

During a May interview on Russian television, Ilyumzhinov reiterated claims that he had been visited by aliens in Moscow in 1997.