 "Magnus Carlsen said that FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich has misused his power and should resign. Image: AP")
World No.1 chess player Magnus Carlsen has demanded the resignation of the International Chess Federation, FIDE, president Arkady Dvorkovich, accusing him of ‘misuse of power’ and ‘coercing’ the players. Carlsen’s strong-worded social media post against Dvorkovich, in which he also asked for the FIDE president’s resignation, came after the global chess body on Monday announced that they have failed to reach an agreement with Freestyle Chess Operations .
Carlsen and German entrepreneur Jan Henric Buettner are co-owners of the Freestyle Chess Operations which is set the hold the Grand Slam tour from 7 February. The Grand Slam tour will take place across Weissenhaus, Paris, New York, New Delhi, and Cape Town and the organisers are planning to label the eventual winner as the ‘world champions’.
FIDE has objected to Freestyle Chess Operations’ plans , arguing that they are the “sole regulator of World Chess Championships” and hold the authority “to award a World Championship title”.
FIDE in its statement on Monday said that players taking part in the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam tour will have to sign a waiver to remain eligible for the World Championship cycle .
Carlsen reveals personal messages of FIDE president
Carlsen hit back at FIDE as it asked the players to sign a waiver. The 34-year-old Norwegian leaked a few personal messages from president Dvorkovich which were sent to the former world champion’s father. As per the messages, Dvorkovich had promised that “players will NOT be affected in any way” despite the ongoing tussle between the two bodies.
“Coercion of players, misuse of power and broken promises. FIDE President Dvorkovich, to convince me to play the Rapid & Blitz in New York, you wrote Dec 19th to my father: ‘Just want to pass a message to you and Magnus that whatever happens between FIDE and Freestyle in terms of recognition, players will NOT be affected in any way. They can decide on their own and FIDE will not take any negative action’,” Carlsen revealed on X.
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View All“You added later that day: ‘I will step down if my word will be undermined by the Council.’ By forcing players to sign an unacceptable waiver you have reneged on your promise. Will you resign?” Carlsen asked.
The first Grand Slam will be played from 7 February 6 in Weissenhaus, Germany.