Statement of the Russian Chess Federation of 20 May 2004

Русская версия

The Russian Chess Federation is concerned about the current situation around the Men's World Championship and would like to state the following:

Several leading players from Russia, qualified to play in the World Championship in Libya, pointed out the shortcomings in the contracts offered to them by FIDE and asked the Russian Chess Federation for help.

President of the Russian Chess Federation send a letter on concerning that matter to FIDE. There has not been any reply yet, while in the meantime a number of Grandmasters who want to appropriate and fair contracts, are deprived the chance to play in the World Championship. So it seems that the organizers of the tournament in Tripoli are going to punish those sportsmen (and not only from Russia) who defend their right to a fair mutual contract.

Players' request for a fair deal cannot be a reason for FIDE officials to refuse world-famous players entry to an official tournament.

Viacheslav Beresnev
Vice-President of the Russian Chess Federation
Moscow, 20 May 2004