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First the final list of participants in the World Chess Championship, to be held in San Luis, Argentina at the end of September. The eight selected players are the current title-holder Rustam Kasimdzhanov of Uzbekistan; the world's top active professional and 2000 -FIDE world champion Vishy Anand of India; the world's number two and three Veselin Topalov and Peter Leko; Michael Adams, Alexander Morozevich, Peter Svidler and – what a great achievement – Judit Polgar. Vladimir Kramnik was originally invited but declined to participate [see our recent report].
FIDE recognizes the new administration of the All India Chess Federation (AICF), following the recent legal developments. [see our recent report with links to previous reports].
FIDE warns that there will be "severe punishments for players, arbiters, officials, organisers and Federations" if tournaments and results are falsified, compromising the integrity of the FIDE rating and title system. This is apparently in reaction to a recent fake tournament staged in Ukraine.
Here's the full FIDE communiqué:
Doha, 15 May 2005
The FIDE Presidential Board rose from its meeting 14-15 May 2005 in Doha, Qatar
and took a number of far reaching decisions with respect to important current
matters of chess worldwide.
The Board meeting, which was chaired by FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, approved the final list of participants who have all confirmed their participation in the World Chess Championship Tournament, 27 September – 16 October 2005 in San Luis, Argentina:
1. GM Rustam Kasimdzhanov (UZB, World Champion)
2. GM Vishwanathan Anand (IND, World Champion 2000-2002)
3. GM Veselin Topalov (BUL)
4. GM Peter Leko (HUN)
5. GM Michael Adams (ENG)
6. GM Alexander Morozevich (RUS)
7. GM Peter Svidler (RUS)
8. GM Judith Polgar (HUN)
The Province of San Luis, as the appointed organizer of the World Chess Championship Tournament 2005, gave a complete and professional presentation of the event preparations, a presentation which left the FIDE Board members with the certainty that this World Championship would be one of the best organized ever. The Argentinian delegation in Doha, Qatar was led by the Governor of San Luis Province, H.E. Alberto Rodriguez Saa, a man with a clear and proven vision for the development of San Luis.
The Board also unanimously recognized the new administration of the All India Chess Federation (AICF), following the recent legal developments. Mr. N. Srinivasan remains President of the AICF while new Honorary Secretary is Mr. D. V. Sundar of Chennai. The Board took note of the fact that Mr. P.T. Ummer Koya is under a court restraining order and is therefore unable to execute his office in FIDE. Mr. Sundar confirmed that the AICF shall honor their commitments to host the Asian Continental Championship and the Asian Youth Championships. The Board decided that all tournament rating reports and title applications should be endorsed by the new AICF administration. Asian Continental President Khalifa Al Hitmi appointed Mr. Sundar as the new Secretary General of the Asian Chess Federation.
Another important issue which was discussed during the board meeting was the need to protect the credibility and integrity of the FIDE rating and title system. The Board unanimously issued the following announcement:
In recent times, the attention of FIDE has been drawn to several cases where there were strong suspicions regarding the credibility of the results of games and tournaments.
FIDE is aware that instances of misconduct are far from easy to prove. However, in order to preserve decency within our noble game and to protect the integrity of our rating and title system, FIDE wishes to make it very clear to everyone that it intends to deal severely with any confirmed case.
FIDE emphasizes that a Federation is primarily responsible for all chess matters within its territory. Consequently, it is the obligation of every Federation to investigate and report to FIDE any suspicions regarding results of games. However, FIDE retains the right to carry out an independent enquiry if it feels that this is necessary.
There will be severe punishments for players, arbiters, officials, organisers and Federations in proven cases of malpractice, up to a ban for life. The Code of Ethics will be reviewed to see if any changes are required. Also, any new regulations required will be drafted for approval at Congress.
If necessary, Senior Arbiters will be appointed by FIDE to monitor results and practices.
Finally, the Board unanimously approved the renewal of the commercial agreement between FIDE and DGT Projects for another 5-year period, up to 2010.
