September 30th 2006
To GM V. Topalov, GM V. Kramnik,
Dear Veselin, dear Vladimir,
My letter may come too late, due to the circumstances we are in. However,
I am trying, as other do probably, to contribute to the efforts to solve the
chaotic situation the chess world is facing.
I am approaching you as a member of the World Championship Cycle Committee,
who was partly involved in the preliminary talks and preparations, but mainly
as a chess lover who, I am sure, represents the view of millions of chess fans.
The whole chess world's eyes are focused today to what is happening in Elista.
FIDE Honorary Vice President Israel Gelfer from Israel
The whole world who was waiting for so long to this match is watching and
ask itself: Is it real? Is it true? Is it possible that such a glorious moment
in the history of chess with such marvelous players is breaking off because
of a discussion about the toilet??
Dear Vladimir and Veselin, I am not exaggerating when I say that in the eyes
of the world you are both not only great chess players but also great personalities,
great sportsmen. For this reason, among others, I allow myself to urge you
not to let down the whole chess world. I am asking you to respect the enormous
efforts, financial and others, made by Fide President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, who
was striving so much to unify the chess world. I am asking you to remember
that these efforts finally succeded to end a crisis of more then a decade,
and I am asking you again to consider the historical moment that you are a
part of.
You may have one or more claim against FIDE or its representatives. Some of
it may be justified, but please put this aside, and put in first priority the
interest of the whole chess world.
Great people are recognized in big and historical moments. I honestly believe
that this is such a moment for you to raise yourself above of all minor issues,
even if they looked crucial yesterday.
To conclude, I am urging you, again, to put all legal, practical and other
issues aside, to realize that a historical moment is in danger, to sit down
with FIDE President Mr. Kirsan Ilyumzhinov and to find a solution which may
not fully satisfy all parties, but surely will give you a glorious place in
the history of our noble game.
Yours very truly,
Israel Gelfer
Fide Honorary Vice President
Injustice done to one is a threat to all
ACP Statement on Topalov-
Kramnik Unification Match crisis
The situation arisen in the Topalov-Kramnik Unification Match brings a lot
of damage to the image of chess. The Association of Chess Professionals will
thoroughly analyse all the facts and express our opinion on the whole matter
soon, but even right now we want to clearly stand that we find the letter written
by Silvio Danailov, Manager to Veselin Topalov, on the 28th of September 2006
disgraceful.
Especially a sentence "If the match were to continue, the World Champion
would refrain from shaking hands with Mr. Kramnik before the games" is
unacceptable. It is abusive, contradictive with the FIDE motto "Gens una
sumus". Moreover, Mr Danailov not only accussed Mr Kramnik of cheating,
without showing any serious evidence, but already found him guilty, prior to
any investigation.
As the purpose of the ACP, as described by the Article 2 of the ACP Statutes,
is "the protection of professional chess players' rights, the practice
and promotion of chess worldwide", we strongly protest against behaviour
of Mr Silvio Danailov, Manager to Veselin Topalov, and expect him to officially
apologise to Mr Kramnik. Otherwise, we believe that the case should be carefully
investigated by the FIDE Ethics Commission and proper measures taken to avoid
such situations in the future.
Best regards
ACP Board
1st of October 2006
