Interview with Leo Battesti
What exactly is the cheating system that was used? Have the authors
of the cheating admitted the facts?

You understand that it may be difficult for me to speak on facts that are the
subject of an investigation. What I can tell you is that we, the federation
leaders, are the last to wish to see such a procedure initiated. Unless we are
masochists ... It is indeed difficult and very painful. And I take this opportunity
to congratulate Jean-Claude Moingt, our President, and Joanna Pomian, Vice-President,
for their courage. Both are witnesses in this very serious case. They placed
the sporting interest before their own comfort. They could have adopted an ostrich
policy rather than assuming their responsibilities. They were perfectly right
in doing so. It is in these situations that leaders are judged. In a world where
cynicism often takes place before policy, it warms my heart to see such action.
I want to say that with both being called to testify, the office designated
me as the federal spokesperson for this case.
What prompted the FCF to make this matter public?
Precisely this concern of upholding sporting values. We highlight the social
and educational virtues of chess, and we would have been in total contradiction
by cowardly remaining silent to protect ourselves from the bother. Finally I
can tell you, considering the testimony and facts brought to the attention of
the office members, we are unfortunately justified in initiating such proceedings.
In Khanty-Mansysk, as everywhere now, officials are nevertheless very
attentive to cheating, there there is no way to prevent it?
It is difficult to cope with technological developments. There is nothing easier,
during live broadcasts, than to relay suggestions. A single help, in complex
situations, and it is almost a guaranteed a win. As the organizer of international
events I have often been alerted by certain behaviors. But often in the name
of the legitimate presumption of innocence, and without evidence, without specific
testimony, it is difficult to intervene.
However one must act, both via the body of arbiters and by technical means
to limit the current drift. We will therefore propose to the next Administrative
Committee of the FCF, on January 29, the technical means to organize the next
European Championships in Aix-les-Bains: a delay of at least 15 minutes on the
live internet broadcast of the games, banning mobile devices, etc. ... It is
true, however, that when there are financial stakes, the risks of cheating increase.
In my opinion, and this is only my opinion, lacking the adequate technical means,
one should fear the worst for the future of classical games endowed with prizes.
We are not adrift in a generalized situation as in professional cycling, but
we must be on our guards and act.
And now, what are the expected procedures, both national and international,
for the rest?
The Disciplinary Committee of the FCF has been enacted. The investigation is
underway. FIDE has obviously been informed. At no time did we hesitate to take
appropriate action. We can neither compromise, nor negotiate under such circumstances.
And this policy will prevail in all our future options.
In your opinion, what are the consequences on the image of chess in general
and the France team in particular?
Ironically I think the federal image will be even more positive. I actually
took a look at French and international forums and many users praise the political
courage of the FCF. I think the moment we act to defend the sporting interests
of chess, there is no need to fear. What would have been highly prejudicial,
is silence. Both for our consciences and for the benefit of chess. What I also
want to say is that the other members of the French team are absolutely not
involved. They are even, in my opinion, the victims of this situation. But we
are very proud of them, their natural talent and probity. Cheating is, thankfully,
a very marginal event. 99% of our players are sportsmen. One can therefore be
reasonably optimistic.
What do you think of Sebastien Feller's denials?
Pathetic! And insulting to our president and his federation. I think this young
player is ill-advised because instead of taking responsibility, he seeks to
divert attention by sullying the honor of a great man of French Chess.
Source: Europe
Echec – translated by Albert Silver
Previous reports

|
FFE accuses its own players of cheating
22.01.2011 – Shocking news: the French Chess
Federation (FFE) has announced that it has initiated disciplinary action
against three players – one of them one of France's most promising talents
– on suspicion of "organized cheating, serious breach of sport ethics,
undermining the image of the national Olympic team in Khanty-Mansyik”.
We are following the investigation. Press
release. |

|
Feller replies: 'I completely deny the cheating accusations'
24.01.2011 – Two days ago the French Chess
Federation announced
the investigation of three French players on suspicion of "organized
cheating" at the Chess Olympiad in Khanty-Mansyik. Now one of the three,
19-year-old French GM Sebastien Feller, has replied emphatically, implying
that the entire action was a result of his support of the current FIDE
president (the FFE supported his rival Karpov). Open
letter. |