Dear ChessBase,
I read with surprise the announcement of Universal Events Promotion, together
with the statement of GM Vladimir Kramnik, which were trying to hold FIDE culpable
for the collapse of the negotiations for a match Topalov-Kramnik.
I would therefore like to clarify the following:
-
FIDE hasn't received yet any official proposal concerning such a match.
-
When we were informed by Mr Danailov, the manager of World Champion V.
Topalov, that negotiations were starting I immediately expressed the view
that such a match should be for the World Championship Title and it should
be organized under FIDE's auspices and in accordance with regulations which
everyone should agree.
-
To this direction I suggested a meeting with all parties concerned.
-
To the question of Mr Danailov about FIDE's financial demands, I referred
to the relative FIDE regulations which state that FIDE receives a 20% share
of or above the prize fund.
Two days ago I was informed by Mr Danailov that the Kramnik side rejected
the idea of holding the match within FIDE's authority and the proposal for
a meeting of all sides was rejected as well.
After all these developments, it's strange how FIDE can be accused for the
collapse of negotiations between UEP, Topalov and Kramnik.
Before today I believed that Kramnik was willing to play a match for the World
Championship under FIDE's auspices. Unfortunately, recent developments show
that he might not want to return to the official World Chess Championship cycle
and is, at the same time, trying to hold FIDE responsible for his decision.
Best regards
Georgios Makropoulos
FIDE Deputy President
Deputy FIDE President Georgios Makropoulos
