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First for the seriously time-challenged:
The next FIDE cycle after the 2005 San Luis world championship will consist of a number of qualifying events, which include what has until now been the FIDE world championship (the 128-player knockout event). It culminates in Candidates Matches with ten players and classical time controls. The final of this is the World Championship.
Now for a more extensive summary, with the full FIDE regulations attached below. They are for those directly involved in the cycle – organisers, players – and those who simply enjoy reading fine print.
The World Chess Championship cycle 2005/07 consists of the following stages:
National Championships, which are the responsibility of the Federations.
Zonals and Continental Championships, which are organized by the Continents. FIDE guarantees a minimum total prize fund of US $ 175,000 for the Continental Championships (the organizers must show proof of additional sponsorship money it has raised for the prize fund). FIDE retains 20% of the prize fund, the organizers get 20% from any additional prize fund. The number of qualifiers for each continent are: Europe 46, Americas 19, Asia 19, Africa 6
The World Chess Cup, a knockout tournament with 128 players: the World Champion, four semi-finalists from the previous World Championship, the Woman's World Champion, two World Junior U-20 Champions (2004 & 2005), 90 players from Continental Championships, twenty 20 rated players, seven FIDE presidential nominees, three organizer nominees. There will seven knockout rounds of two-game matches. The first five placed players qualify for the Candidates Matches and the next five qualify for the Last Chance Super Tournament.
The Last Chance Super Tournament consists of ten participants: five players from the World Cup (ranked 6-10), five players by rating. Three players from this tournament qualify for the Candidates Matches.
Time Control: With the exception of Zonal Tournaments, Continental Championships and World Cup, all other events (Last Chance Super Tournament and Candidates Matches) will be played with the time control of 120 minutes for the first 40 moves, 60 minutes for the next 20 moves and then 15 minutes for the rest of the game plus an additional 30 seconds per move starting from move 61.
Our careful reading of the full FIDE regulations has not revealed how long each stage of the Candidates Matches and of the World Championship Finals is. More than half of the published document that follows is devoted to details of the World Chess Cup (the knockout event). The really relevant bit, entitled "Information Regarding other World Championship Cycle Events", seems to have been tacked on rather quickly. We will provide further details as they become available.
1.1. The World Chess Championship cycle shall be organised in 2005/07 and will include the following events: National Championships, Zonals and Continental Championships, World Chess Cup (the 128 player knock out tournament), the last Chance Super Tournament and the World Chess Championship matches.
1.2. Governing Body: the World Chess Federation (FIDE). For the purpose of creating the regulations, communicating with the players and negotiating with the organisers, the President has nominated a committee, hereby called the World Chess Championship Committee (WCCC).
1.2. 1. With the exception of National Championships, Zonal Tournaments and also Continental Championships that do not serve as a qualifying event for the World Chess Championship cycle, FIDE retains all commercial and media rights, including internet.
2. 1. National Chess Championships – National Chess Championships are the responsibility of the Federations who retain all rights in their events.
2. 2. Zonal Tournaments – Zonals can be organised by the Continents according to their regulations that have to be approved by the FIDE Presidential Board.
2. 3. Continental Chess Championships – The Continents, through their respective Boards and in co-operation with FIDE, shall organise Continental Chess Championships. The regulations for these events have to be approved by the FIDE Presidential Board if they are part of the qualification system of the World Chess Championship cycle.
2. 3. 1. FIDE shall guarantee a minimum total prize fund of USD 175,000 for the Continental Championships divided among the Continents, as follows:
1. Europe – 60,000 USD
2. Americas – 40,000 USD
3. Asia-Oceania – 40,000 USD
4. Africa – 35,000 USD
Total: 175,000 USD
To qualify for the grant of the prize money contributed by FIDE for each Continental Championship, each Continent must show proof of additional sponsorship money it has raised for the prize fund.
FIDE shall retain 20% of the prize fund. The Continent shall receive 20% from any additional prize fund at the Continental level.
2. 3. 2. Where a Continent decides to have zonal tournaments for qualification to the World Cup, the number of zonal qualifiers shall be restricted to the approved figure by zone, as at 31st December 2000; the extra qualification places for each Continent shall be given to the Continental Championship to determine the remaining qualifiers to the World Cup.
2. 3. 3. All the Zonal qualifiers, as well as the number of players eligible by country to participate in each zonal, can participate in their Continental Championship with their full board expenses covered by the host organiser. The extra players by country as determined by each Continent shall be responsible for their expenses. This applies only in those Continents that hold Zonals and Continental Championships.
2. 3. 4. Continents must organise at least one Continental Championship before the World Cup 2005 and 2007. If the Continental Championship cannot be organised, then FIDE shall organise the Championship using the prize fund allocated to the respective Continent, without necessarily distributing prizes to the players. The Continents, in co-operation with the WCCC, will decide on the format and the maximum number of participants per country including qualifiers per country.
2. 3. 5. The number of qualifiers for each continent is:
Europe 46
Americas 19
Asia 19
Africa 6
2. 3. 6. FIDE will send one of its representatives, a member of the WCCC or a representative appointed by the committee, as an observer to ensure that the event is held in line with the World Championship regulations. He will present an independent report on the conduct of the Championship to the Presidential Board of FIDE. Traveling cost, board and lodge as well as stipend shall be paid by the organising committee of the Continental Championship.
3. 1. Qualifiers – There are 128 qualifiers : World Champion + four (4) semi-finalists from the Libya World Championship, Woman's World Champion, two (2) World Junior U-20 Champions (2004 & 2005), ninety (90) players from Continental Championships, twenty (20) rated players, seven (7) FIDE President nominees, three (3) organiser nominees.
3. 1. 1. Replacements – World Champion, semi-finalists, Woman's World Champion, World Junior U-20 Champions and rated players can be replaced only from the rating list. Continental and Zonal qualifiers will be replaced from their respective events, except that in the Zonal Tournament, the replacement must have scored 50% or more in the Zonal event. Otherwise the place passes to the Continental Championship.
3. 1. 2. For the purpose of deciding the 20 rated player qualifiers, as well as any replacements, the average from the following lists will be used; rating of July 2004 plus rating of January 2005 divided by 2. In case of equality two decimals will be taken into consideration. If the numbers are still equal then the number of games from the two periods shall be decisive. That means the player with the greater number of games shall qualify. If the numbers are still equal then the April 2005 list shall be decisive. If the Elo in this list is still the same, the player with the greater number of games in this list will qualify.
3. 1. 3. Players who appear in the inactive list in both July 2004 and January 2005 will not be able to qualify as a rated player. If the player is inactive in one list but appears in the other, then the rating that is published shall be taken as the average.
3. 1. 4. The list of qualified players and the reserves will be published on the FIDE web site.
3. 2. Tournament format
3. 2. 1 There shall be seven (7) rounds of matches, comprising two (2) games per round, with the winners progressing to the next round. From round four (4) the players will continue playing until places 1 to 16 are decided.
Round 1: there shall be 128 players
Round 2: there shall be 64 players
Round 3: there shall be 32 players
Round 4: there shall be 16 players
Round 5: there shall be 16 players
Round 6: there shall be 16 players
Round 7: there shall be 16 players
3. 2. 2. Schedule of the World Cup tournament
Opening Ceremony/Players' meeting: 1 day
Round 1: 2 days play + tie breaks 2 days
Round 2: 2 days play + tie breaks 2 days
Round 3: 2 days play + tie breaks 2 days
Rest day: 1 day
Round 4: 2 days play + tie breaks 2 days
Round 5: 2 days play + tie breaks 2 days
Rest day: 1 day
Round 6: 2 days play + tie breaks 2 days
Round 7: 2 days play + tie breaks 2 days
Closing ceremony 1 day
TOTAL 18 days
3. 3. Confirmation of Participation / Conduct of Players
3. 3. 1. When FIDE has confirmed the name of organiser, venue and dates, the participants will be able to download the copy of the Player’s Undertaking (which contains the player’s obligations) from the FIDE web site and shall send their signed Undertaking to FIDE within two weeks. This is the player’s responsibility.
Any participant, specified in paragraph 3.1 who fails to return his Player’s Undertaking by the official deadline, may be replaced according to article 3. 1. 1. The WCCC may accept late undertakings received after the deadline within the period of 10 days. The final list shall then be published 10 days after the deadline on the FIDE web site. Players not previously qualified but who have the right to participate as replacements shall be notified through the FIDE web site and will have one further week to return their signed undertakings to FIDE.
3. 3. 2. All players mentioned in 3. 3. 1 shall confirm, by fax and registered mail to the FIDE Secretariat, their participation by returning the signed original copy of the Players' Undertaking published on the FIDE web site for participation in the World Cup. Players shall be fully responsible for the arrival on time to the FIDE Secretariat of their signed undertaking.
3. 3. 3. A player who returns his undertaking but withdraws before the pairings are announced will be replaced by a player as described in 3. 1. 1.
3. 3. 4. Any player that withdraws after the pairings are announced shall not be replaced.
3. 3. 5. Players that fail to provide a satisfactory reason for withdrawal, after they have signed the player's undertaking, may be excluded from the next World Championship cycle.
3. 3. 6. If the World Cup and the Women’s World Championship are organised at the same period (even if the two events overlap by one day) then the player who has the right to participate in both championships shall decide per 3. 3. 2 in which tournament she will play.
3. 3. 7. For security and administrative reasons, all participants are expected to stay in the officially designated hotel(s).
3. 3. 8. All players shall pay their own cost of travel, accommodation and meals for the duration of their stay.
3. 4. Pairings.
3. 4. 1. All participants will start from Round 1.
3. 4. 2. For purposes of pairings the players shall be ranked according to the most recent rating list. In case of equality of two or more players, the player with the greater number of games played during the period covered by the list shall be higher seeded. In case of equal number, the order will be decided by the drawing of lots. The World Champion will be seeded number one.
3. 4. 3. Pairings shall follow the principle of top half vs. lower half reversed (1-128, 2-127...). Thus the highest ranked player of the top half shall play the lowest ranked player of the bottom half. The second ranked player of the top half shall play the penultimate ranked player of the bottom half. And so on.
3. 4. 4. For rounds 1 to 4, pairings shall follow the same procedure as in 3. 4. 3, with the clarification that if the lower ranked player wins in any match, he shall automatically assume the position of the higher ranked player.
3. 4. 5. For round 5 the same procedure as described above will apply for the winners of the matches in round 4. These players are playing for the places 1 to 8. For the losers of the matches in round 4, their ranking number in the round 4 will be used for the purpose of pairing. These players are playing for the places 9 to 16.
For round 6, the same procedure as described above will apply for the winners of the matches in round 5 playing for places 1 to 8. These players will play for the places 1 to 4. For the losers of the round 5 matches playing for places 1 to 8, their ranking number in the fifth round will be used for the purpose of pairing. These players will play for the places 5 to 8.
For the purpose of the pairing, the winners of the round 5 matches playing for places 9 to 16, will be ranked according to the principle described in 3. 4. 4. These players will play for places 9 to 12. The losers of the Round 5 matches, playing for places 13 to 16, the ranking number in round 5 will be used for the purpose of pairing in round 6.
For round 7, the same procedure as described above (for round 5 and 6) will apply also for this round, in order to obtain the final standing for places 1 to 16.
3. 4. 6. No postponement shall be allowed except with permission of the FIDE President.
3. 5. Drawing of colours
3. 5. 1. The draw for colours shall be conducted as follows:
a) The top seeded player in Round 1 receives White or Black in the first game as decided by lot during the Opening Ceremony. In the second game of the same round, colours will be reversed. In match 2, the higher seeded player shall have the opposite colour to the top seeded player, and so alternating through the list.
b) In Round 2 the winner of match 1 shall have in the first game the colour opposite to the colour that the top seeded player had in the first game of Round 1. The higher seeded player in the first game of match 2 shall have the same colour that the highest seeded player had in the first game of match 1 and thereafter with colours alternating through the list, with the clarification that if the lower ranked player wins in any match in the previous round, then he shall automatically assume the position of the higher ranked player.
c) For Rounds 3-4 the same procedure is applicable
d) For rounds 5 –7, the same procedure as described above will be followed, in Round 5 for players playing for places 1 to 8, in Round 6 places 1 to 4 and in Round 7 for places 1 and 2. For all other players, if the players have the same sequence of colours, there will be a drawing of lot for colours.
e) For the tie-break matches, there shall be a drawing of lots for each match. If these matches are also drawn, there shall be a drawing of lots to decide who shall receive White in the sudden-death game.
3.6. Time control.
3. 6. 1. The time control shall be 90 minutes for the first 40 moves followed by 15 minutes for the rest of the game with an addition of 30 seconds per move from move one.
3. 6. 2. The games shall be played using the electronic clocks and boards approved by FIDE.
3. 7. Conditions of victory
3. 7. 1. For all rounds, each match shall be played over two games and the winner of a match shall be the first player to score 1.5 or more points. A tie shall be broken according to article 3. 8.
3. 7. 2. The results of rounds 4 to 7 shall decide places 1 to 16.
3. 8. Tie breaks
3. 8. 1. If the scores are level after the regular games, after a new drawing of colours, two tie break games shall be played. The games shall be played using the electronic clock starting with 25 minutes on the clock for each player with an addition of 10 seconds after each move.
3. 8. 2. If the scores are level after the games in paragraph 3. 8. 1, then, after a new drawing of colours, 2 five-minute games shall be played with the addition of 10 seconds after each move.
3. 8. 3. If the score is still level, the players shall play one decisive sudden death game. The player, who wins the drawing of lots, may choose the colour. White shall receive 6 minutes, Black shall receive 5 minutes, without any addition. The winner qualifies for the next round. In case of a draw the player with the black pieces qualifies for the next round, or winning the higher standing in rounds 4 to 7.
3. 8. 4. Play shall be governed by the FIDE Laws of Chess for Rapid and Blitz Games (Appendices B and C of the Laws of Chess), except where they are overridden by the specific provisions of these regulations:
a. Players need not record their moves. An Arbiter will record the moves (Article B3).
b. Once a player has completed ten (10) moves, no claim can be made regarding incorrect piece placement, orientation of chessboard or clock setting. In case of reverse King and Queen placement, castling with the King is not allowed (Article B4).
c. The player whose turn it is to move, may consult the Arbiter’s score sheet, and, if his next move will produce a threefold repetition of position (according to Article 9.2a of the Laws of Chess), or the 50 moves rule (according to Article 9.3a of the Laws of Chess), he himself must write the intended move on the score sheet and claim the draw, if he wants. If the claim is found to be correct, the game is immediately ended as a draw. If the claim is found to be incorrect, the Arbiter shall add three (3) minutes to the opponent’s remaining time and additionally shall deduct half of the claimant’s remaining time up to a maximum of three (3) minutes.
d. The Arbiter shall call the flag fall (Article B6).
e. Article C3 does not apply.
f. In the case of an illegal move the Arbiter shall interfere with the game only after a claim by the opponent and shall reinstate the position immediately before the irregularity. For the first illegal move made by a player the arbiter shall give two (2) extra minutes to the opponent. For the second illegal move by the same player the arbiter shall declare the game lost by this player.
3. 8. 5. The tie breaks shall start at least 2 hours after the end of the last game of the round, according to the decision of the Chief Arbiter.
3. 8. 6. Between the tiebreak games as well as before the start of the sudden death game there shall be a pause of at least 10 minutes, unless the Chief Arbiter decides otherwise.
3. 9. Prizes for the World Cup
3. 9. 1. Prize list
1st round 64 losers x 6.000 = 384.000
2nd round 32 losers x 10.000 = 320.000
3rd round 16 losers x 15.000 = 240.000
Place 16 x 18.000 = 18.000
Place 15 x 20.000 = 20.000
Place 14 x 22.000 = 22.000
Place 13 x 24.000 = 24.000
Place 12 x 26.000 = 26.000
Place 11 x 28.000 = 28.000
Place 10 x 30.000 = 30.000
Place 9 x 32.000 = 32.000
Place 8 x 35.000 = 35.000
Place 7 x 38.000 = 38.000
Place 6 x 41.000 = 41.000
Place 5 x 44.000 = 44.000
Place 4 x 48.000 = 48.000
Place 3 x 52.000 = 52.000
Place 2 x 70.000 = 70.000
Place 1 x 100.000 = 100.000
TOTAL: 1.572.000
3. 9. 2. If a player withdraws due to ill health or any other good reason accepted by the Appeals Committee, he shall receive the full prize money to which he was entitled at that time.
3. 9. 3. If a player withdraws after the start of the first round without having a satisfactory reason for doing so, he shall receive no prize money.
3. 10. Playing Conditions.
3. 10. 1. Only the players, principals and steward (-es)s shall be allowed in the actual playing area except with the permission of the Chief Arbiter.
3. 10. 2. During the playing session the following additional regulations shall be in force:
a) The players are not permitted to bring into the playing area technical and other equipment extraneous to play, which may in any way disturb or upset the opponent. The Chief Arbiter shall decide what constitutes extraneous equipment liable to offend the opponent.
b) A player may talk only to an arbiter or communicate with a steward, or with his opponent as permitted by the Laws of Chess.
c) During the playing session, players are not allowed to leave the playing area without the permission of the Chief Arbiter.
3. 11. Score sheets.
3. 11. 1. The Organisers shall provide score sheets according to the specifications provided by the WCCC.
a) At the end of each game the players' original score sheets shall be given to the Arbiter, who shall hand them to FIDE .
b) Refusal of either player to sign the score sheets shall be penalised according to Article 13.4 of the Laws of Chess. After the players have signed the score sheets, the Arbiter shall countersign to confirm the results.
c) In tiebreak games, the players and the Arbiter shall sign a result sheet.
3. 12. Players' Meeting.
3. 12. 1. Players are required to attend the Players' Meeting on the day of the Opening Ceremony at a time to be decided by the Chief Arbiter and the Organisers. If necessary, the Chief Arbiter may call other Players' Meetings.
3. 12. 2. If a player fails to appear at the Players' Meeting, the Opening or Closing Ceremony or any approved function of the Championship such as official receptions and press conferences, or conducts himself in a manner contrary to the spirit of sportsmanship or the FIDE Code of Ethics, then he shall suffer the following penalty: 5% of his prize money shall be forfeited to the Organisers and a further 5% to FIDE for each breach. In cases of serious misconduct the player may be disqualified from the tournament and the World Chess Championship cycle.
3. 13 Interviews, functions and mode of dressing.
3. 13. 1. The players are expected to co-operate reasonably with the media. General interviews with them can be arranged through the Press Officer.
3. 13. 2. The players are required to make themselves available for short interviews, of not more than 10 minutes duration, immediately after the game. In general, the winner, or in the event of a draw both players, shall be available for the daily press conference.
3. 13. 3. Players are required to be present at all official functions approved by FIDE President or his Deputy during the Championship including official receptions and the opening and closing ceremonies.
3. 13. 4. Players are requested to note the requirements of FIDE Regulations C.01 (Article 8.1) in respect of their dignified appearance at all times during the World Cup.
3. 14. Payment of Prize Money and Stipends
3. 14. 1. The prize fund shall be paid by bank cheque or direct banker’s order drawn in United States Dollars on UBS, Lausanne or any other official FIDE bank.
3. 14. 2. Upon completion of the World Chess Cup, FIDE shall pay these sums collectible in the player’s home country where requested by him.
3. 14. 3. Although FIDE will endeavour to sign an agreement with the organiser stating that the prize funds are net and free of all tax, FIDE will not be responsible for any national or local tax deducted from the prize money. FIDE will give all necessary assistance to the players if the organiser acts to the contrary.
3. 15. Principals
3. 15. 1. The Principals are:
a) President and Deputy President, one of them being the Chairman of the Appeals Committee;
b) Treasurer, Elected Vice President, General Secretary
c) Three members of the Appeals Committee;
d) Arbiters;
e) Press Officer;
f) Chairman of FIDE Medical Commission;
g) WCCC members;
3. 16. Arbiters
3. 16. 1. There will be a Chief Arbiter, a Deputy Chief Arbiter, three Deputy Arbiters, plus four additional Arbiters for round 1 to 2, and local assistance according to the tournament needs. FIDE President, in consultation with the World Chess Championship Committee, shall appoint the arbiters who must have the title of International Arbiter.
3. 16. 2. In each match, no arbiter may belong to the same federation as either of the players. Exception: if both players are members of the same federation, an arbiter may also belong to this federation.
3. 16. 3. During play either the Chief Arbiter or the Deputy Chief Arbiter must be present in the playing area.
3. 16. 4. Immediately after the end of the World Chess Cup tournament, the Chief Arbiter shall write a report and send it without delay to the FIDE Secretariat.
3. 16. 5. The report shall be written in one of the official FIDE languages.
3. 16. 6. The report shall contain the result of each individual game as well as the final result of each match. In addition, the report shall contain a general description of the course of the World Cup. If there were any difficulties, conflicts or incidents during the tournament, they shall be described together with the measures taken to deal with them.
3. 16. 7. The report shall be supplemented by adding two copies of the bulletins of the World Cup and the score sheets of the games.
3. 16. 8. The Chief Arbiter may, in consultation with the WCCC, and with the approval of the FIDE President, issue additional written regulations to inform the exact playing hours and take care of other details not covered by these regulations.
3.17. Appeals Committee.
3. 17. 1. The President or his Deputy shall be Chairman of the Appeals Committee. There shall be three other members all from different Federations. No member of the Appeals Committee shall sit in judgement in a dispute involving a player or party from his Federation except where the dispute is between two players or two parties from his Federation.
All protests must be submitted in writing to the Appeals Committee not more than two hours after the relevant playing session, or the particular infringement complained against.
The Committee may decide on the following matters:
a) an appeal against a decision by an arbiter,
b) a protest against a player's behaviour,
c) a complaint alleging false interpretation of the regulations,
d) a request for the interpretation of specific regulations,
e) a protest or complaint against any participant, or
f) all other matters which the Committee considers important.
If possible, the Committee shall reach a decision not more than two hours after the submission of a protest. The appeals process shall include written representations and a written decision. The Committee shall endeavour to find binding solutions that are within the true spirit of the FIDE motto, Gens Una Sumus. Each protest must be accompanied by a deposit fee of USD 500 (five hundred US Dollars) or the equivalent in local currency. If the protest is accepted, the fee shall be returned. If the protest is rejected, the fee may be forfeited to FIDE.
The written decision of the Appeals Committee arising from any dispute in respect of these regulations shall be final.
3. 18. Arrangements for the Playing Hall
3. 18. 1. The WCCC shall ensure the playing hall and its environs meet at least the requirements of the FIDE Regulations for the Organisation of Top Level Tournaments (FIDE Handbook C.01).
3. 18. 2. The playing venue shall be decorated with the FIDE flag, IOC flag, the flags of the host nation and the participating Federations.
3. 18. 3. After the World Chess Championship Committee agrees with the Organisers on the World Chess Cup Tournament arrangements in respect of the tournament hall, facilities, accommodation and meals, transportation, telecommunication, ceremonies, no objections from the participants shall be acceptable.
3. 18. 4. Organisers shall provide, free of charge, coffee, tea and soft drinks for the players and principals. It is advisable that the same offer shall apply for press members.
3. 19. Photography and Television
3. 19. 1. Only photographers and camera crew expressly authorised by the Press Officer may work in the playing venue.
a) When more than 16 players are competing, flash may be used only during the first ten minutes.
b) When 16 players or less are competing, flash may only be used during the first five minutes.
c) In tiebreak games flash may only be used in the first three minutes. In case of 5 minutes + sudden death games, the use of flash is not permitted, the use of cameras without flash may only be permitted if the Arbiter in charge deems their use to be unobtrusive.
e) Television cameras must be unobtrusive and may only be used if the Arbiter in charge deems their use to be unobtrusive.
f) An official photographer, designated by the Organisers with the approval of the Chief Arbiter shall be allowed to take photos at any time during the round without flash.
3. 20. Ceremonies.
3. 20. 1. The Opening Ceremony shall take place the day prior to the first round and all participants are required to take part. Exception can be made by a written permission of the FIDE President.
3. 20. 2. The program of the Opening Ceremony shall be supervised by FIDE. Cultural program and speeches totalling up to 60 minutes are usually welcome. FIDE Anthem and the Anthem of the hosting country shall be played.
3. 20. 3. The drawing of colours for round 1 shall be carried out during the opening ceremony.
3. 20. 4. The Closing Ceremony shall take place not later than one day after the end of the World Chess Cup Tournament. The Organisers shall provide trophies for the first three players of the tournament. FIDE Anthem and Anthem of the hosting country shall be played.
3. 21. FIDE Rights and Obligations of the Organisers
3. 21. 1. Finance
3. 21. 1. 1. Before the end of the tournament, FIDE shall be reimbursed for its direct expenses incurred in the World Cup Organisation. This shall be a fixed sum agreed between the Organiser and the World Chess Championship Committee before the start of the tournament. This sum shall include stipends, pre-expenses (inspections) and tournament expenses (travelling and boarding) for the principals. The WCCC shall advise and help the Organisers on protocol, budget, infrastructure, media, commentary, bulletin and other technical problems.
3. 21. 1. 2. FIDE has exclusive commercial rights to the event and is free to exploit them commercially, including entering into advertisement agreements either with the Organisers or Sponsors of the tournament requiring players to wear clothes with the branding of sponsors.
3. 21. 1. 3. The income provided by the World Cup through admission charges, concessions and photography shall go to the Organisers. The radio and television rights, including video and film rights, shall belong to FIDE. The right as described here and in the previous paragraph can be given by FIDE to the organiser.
3. 21. 1. 4. FIDE shall have the exclusive rights for live games transmission on Internet and shall provide the necessary equipment such as electronic boards and clocks to cover the event. FIDE shall provide to the Organisers the signal for online game display in the different function rooms as agreed between the parties.
3. 21. 1. 5. The Organisers shall draw up a budget as detailed as possible, including provision for contingencies. This shall be subject to the approval of WCCC and the FIDE President.
3. 21. 2. Stipends
3. 21. 2. 1. The following stipends are to be paid to the Principals of the World Cup
a) Chairman of the Appeals Committee: USD 10,000
b) Three members of the Appeals Committee: USD 15,000
c) Chief Arbiter: USD 6,000
d) Deputy Chief Arbiter: USD 4,000
e) Three Deputy Arbiters (Rounds 1 to 5): USD 9,000
f) Four Arbiters (Rounds 1 to 2): USD 5,000
g) Press Officer: USD 3,000
h) Chairman of FIDE medical Commission: USD 3,000
In addition the organisers shall pay to FIDE a minimum sum of USD35,000 for the WCCC budget.
3. 21. 3. Travelling and Accommodation
3. 21. 3. 1. Travel. The FIDE President has the right to first class travel by air, sea or rail, at the Organisers` expense. The FIDE Deputy President has the right to business class travel by air, sea or rail, at the Organisers expense. All other Principals shall be provided with transport by air, sea or rail or, if they prefer, any other mode of transport that is not more costly to the Organisers than air travel. Any Principal making his own travel arrangements without the agreement of the Organisers does so entirely at his own risk.
3. 21. 3. 2. Board and Lodging. For the FIDE President a suite in a first class hotel and for the Deputy President one junior suite in the same first class hotel. For each Principal or WCCC member - a double room in the same first class hotel. Also, hospitality shall be provided for three more FIDE people (FIDE Secretariat). Extras will be covered by the Organisers only for the FIDE President.
3. 21. 3. 3. Food and drinks. Provision for food and drinks shall be provided for all the Principals. This shall be provided by a specified allowance in local currency per day or by the provision of all meals in the restaurant of the hotel. The nature and amount shall be agreed between the Organisers and WCCC.
3. 21. 3. 4. Local transportation. Transfer from and to the airport will be provided by the organisers, if necessary. For FIDE President, a chauffeur-driven car. For the other Principals, a number of cars shall be made available; their use will depend on the position of the hotels, playing hall and media centre, and on the leisure activities of the Principals. Alternatively, a daily allowance in local currency may be provided, the amount to be agreed between the Organisers and WCCC. Local transport shall also be provided for players to official functions if necessary.
3. 21. 3. 5. Personnel – The Organisers should provide sufficient personnel to assist: the FIDE Secretariat, in the playing hall, press room, VIP room, and at ceremonies according to the agreement made with the WCCC.
3. 22. Selection of the Organisers.
3. 22. 1. Any federation that is a member of FIDE or any sponsor may bid for the right to administer the World Cup. FIDE shall consult the federation where the sponsor proposes to hold the Cup. If the federation refuses or is unable to co-operate, FIDE may still accept a proposal from a potential sponsor.
No proposed sponsor for the World Cup shall be in conflict with the regulations of the International Olympic Committee.
3. 22. 2. On 20 May 2005, FIDE shall open a bidding procedure for the World Cup, which will be held before 31 December 2005. Bids must be submitted to the FIDE Secretariat in Athens no later than 31 July 2005 at 16.00 local time. The envelopes will then be opened in the FIDE Secretariat 01 August at 12.00 local time.
3. 22. 3. Each applicant shall pay a non-refundable fee of USD 1 000 to obtain the obligatory bidding form and the necessary information from the FIDE Secretariat.
At any time, where the bidding procedure fails, the Presidential Board shall decide, where, when and how the World Cup will be organised.
3. 22. 4. In the event that FIDE receives a satisfactory open offer that covers all the minimum financial requirements, then FIDE may immediately terminate the bidding procedure.
3. 22. 5. Each proposal shall contain the following particulars:
a) the proposed dates of the event
b) the proposed tournament venue;
c) the proposed prize fund in U.S. Dollars.
d) the covering of all organisational costs
e) Special rates for hotel rooms and meals for the participants, accompanying persons and journalists.
f) A statement that the applicant accepts all the demands made in these regulations;
g) The applicant's name, signatures and authentication;
h) Two bank guarantees shall be provided. One for the proposed prize fund comprising 20% of this sum and the other for the sum of USD 50,000 in respect of other obligations.
3. 22. 6. FIDE may exercise the right to reject any bid application if the conditions as stated in 3. 22. 8 below are not met or the financial offer is unsatisfactory.
3. 22. 7. Each proposal shall be accompanied by an invitation to at least one member of the WCCC to inspect the proposed venue and examine the other conditions, with all expenses paid by the bidder.
3. 22. 8. The FIDE Presidential Board shall decide which applicant shall be chosen. The decision reached shall be based on the following criteria, which are to be viewed as a whole:
a) prize fund
b) covering of organisational costs
c) playing conditions
d) providing visas to all players, trainers and officials.
e) Security assistance for all players and officials.
f) chess activity both actual and potential in the country hosting the World Cup.
g) media possibilities
h) potential development of chess worldwide.
i) climatic conditions during the period of the tournament
j) taxation conditions in the hosting country in respect of the prize fund.
If a Presidential Board meeting cannot be held, the FIDE President takes the decision in consultations with the WCCC.
3. 22. 9. After the Presidential Board (or the FIDE President) has decided who shall be selected to organize the World Cup, the Organizers shall deposit, not later than one month before the start of the event, in escrow, net and free of all taxes, with the FIDE bankers the full sums of money covering the prize fund and all costs related to FIDE as stipends, travel, full board and lodge and other administrative costs for communications etc in accordance with a budget agreed between FIDE and the Organizers.
3. 22. 10. In case of a failure to deposit the sums of money under 3. 22. 9, the guarantees specified in 3. 22. 5 are forfeited in favour of FIDE.
3. 22. 11. At any time, after the sums specified under 3. 22. 9, have been deposited in escrow, if the Organizer fails to organize the World Cup or is in breach of the agreement with FIDE for the organization of the event, FIDE shall withdraw the right to organize the event and at the same time, the Organizers shall forfeit 50% of the sums of money under 3. 22. 9.
3. 22. 12. The Organizers shall invite two members of the WCCC to inspect and give consultation on the preparations. The WCCC shall decide on the need for further inspections. Travelling (business class if transcontinental) and accommodation costs are to be borne by the Organizers.
3. 23. Other
3. 23. 1. At any time in the course of the application of these regulations, any grounds that are not covered or any unforeseen event shall be referred to the Presidential Board or the President of FIDE, for final decision.
For the coming cycle (2005-2007) the other World Championship events will be organised according to the decisions that were approved by the Bled 2002 General Assembly, the Bucharest 2003 Presidential Board and the 2003 Halkidiki Executive Board.
These decisions were presented in a document that was sent to 150 top GMs two years ago.
We give a general description of the system of these events. Regulations will be presented to the Executive Board meeting in Dresden 2005.
Qualification for the Candidates Matches
A. World Cup
From the World Cup the first five (5) placed players will qualify for the Candidates Matches and the next five (ranked 6-10) will qualify for the Last Chance Super Tournament.
B. Last Chance Super Tournament
10 participants: 5 players from the World Cup (ranked 6-10), 5 players by rating (as described in 3.1.2 in the regulations above)
b1 Replacements for the Last Chance Super Tournament: rating players - by rating list (see 3.1.2), others - by World Cup players.
b2 3 players will qualify from the Last Chance Super Tournament for the Candidates Matches.
Candidates Matches
C. First Round of Matches
10 players: 5 players from the World Cup, 3 players from the Last Chance Super Tournament and the players who were ranked 3 and 4 in the World Chess Championship 2005 (in Argentina)
c1 Any qualified player in the first round of the of the Candidates Matches can only be replaced from the World Championship Tournament 2005.
c2 Matches System
The World Cup winner is ranked No.1, the rest are ranked in rating order using the last FIDE Rating list available.
Matches: 1 vs 10, 2 vs 9 etc
c3 The five winners from these first round matches qualify for the quarter-final matches.
D. Quarter-Final Matches
The five winners from the first round matches will join the player who was ranked 2 in the World Chess Championship Tournament 2005.
d1 Matches System
The player who was ranked 2 in the World Championship 2005 is ranked No.1, the winner of the first round match 1 is ranked No.2, the winner of match 2 from round 1 is ranked No.3, etc
Matches: 1 vs 6, 2 vs 5, etc
d2 The three winners of the quarter-final matches, qualify for the Semi-Final matches.
E. Semi-Final Matches
The three winners of the quarter-final matches will join the World Champion (winner of the World Chess Championship Tournament 2005) for the semi-final matches.
e1 Matches System
World Champion is ranked No.1, the winner of quarter-final (match 1) is ranked No.2, etc
Matches: 1 vs 4, 2 vs 3.
F. Final Match
The winner of the World Championship Final match becomes World Champion.
Time Control
With the exception of Zonal Tournaments, Continental Championships and World Cup, all other events (Last Chance Super Tournament and Candidates Matches) will be played with the following time control: 120 minutes for the first 40 moves, 60 minutes for the next 20 moves and then 15minutes for the rest of the game plus an additional 30 seconds per move starting from move 61.
Source: FIDE.com
