11/16/2005 -
An interesting article appeared in Chessbase
regarding FIDE’s Deputy President Georgios Makropoulos comments about the
failed Topalov vs. Kramnik match. I think FIDE's claim to the world title
would have been valid had they fulfilled the Prague agreement of 2002. This
agreement would have healed the chess world and brought the true world title
under FIDE's control.
The Prague agreement gave FIDE the following rights:
This
process accepts the main principle that FIDE is the custodian and owner of
the World Chess Championship title and that there should be only one
federation – FIDE – recognized by the IOC and the world of sports
representing the Chess World
The unification process has to lead to only one undisputed World Champion
recognized by FIDE.
In order to earn these rights, FIDE had
to arrange a match against the greatest world champion in chess history,
namely Garry Kasparov. The winner of this match was to face Vladimir
Kramnik, the man who defeated the greatest chess champion in history. In 3
years FIDE was unable to fulfill any of its important Prague
responsibilities. FIDE is mistaken to think that the interzonal held in
San Luis would reunify the chess world. FIDE knows that no true champion
will risk his title in a candidate tournament. So it was not surprising that
Vladimir Kramnik didn’t participate in San Luis. While breaking the
2800 rating plateau, Veselin Topalov won San Luis in grand style. Too bad
FIDE didn’t find a Topalov like challenger for Garry Kasparov back in 2003.
As far as FIDE demanding 20% of the prize money, I think that’s
outrageous considering FIDE didn’t find the sponsor. In the real estate
business, the agent finds buyers for your home. The agent does a lot of
legwork showing your home to potential buyers. This is hard work. But once
a buyer is found, the agent gets 7% commission. FIDE was unable to find
buyers to fulfill the Prague agreement. I don’t think FIDE deserves any
where near 20% for this match, since they didn’t find the buyer.
What is this concept of playing a world championship match under
FIDE’s auspices? I have seen the word auspices used before. It’s generally
associated with UN auspices. I had to look the word auspices up. It means
patronage and protection. I am not sure the players need much protection. I
think a few security guards could handle it. As far as the support is
concerned, the players could use a comfortable room, a nice table, 2 chairs,
a board, 32 pieces, an arbiter, a web designer, and a GM to interview them.
If FIDE wants to get into the auspices business, maybe they should take
control of one of the border crossing between Gaza and Israel.
Vladimir Kramnik and his agent have been able to do what FIDE has not been
able to do, that is find sponsorship for match play. Team Kramnik found
Centro Dannemann to sponsor the 2004 World Championship Match with Peter
Leko. Now in 2005, Team Kramnik has found UEP, who has made a very serious
1.4 million dollar offer. It is clear, there is sponsorship for man who beat
the man contests. Topalov should seriously reconsider this offer with or
without FIDE.
This is Topalov's chance to gain entry to the
true world
championship club. FIDE should reconsider their fee, considering
they didn't do anything to find the sponsor.
Perfect Solution, FIDE drops its outrageous fee. In return, the
winner agrees to work under FIDE. FIDE also agrees to find worthy
challengers and sponsors for the champion every 3 years. When FIDE can live
up to their end of the bargain, then and only then do they deserve a 20% cut
of the prize fund.
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