11.09.2017

Ilyumzhinov: "It's frustrating that Azmaiparashvili lost his temper"

FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov expressed dissatisfaction with actions of Chairman of the organizing committee of the World Cup in Tbilisi and expressed his regret that such unpleasant situation has occurred.
Recall that Canadian chess player Anton Kovalev left the World Cup without playing in the third round match. The reason for the demarche was the aggressive actions of the head of the organizing committee Zurab Azmaiparashvili, who insulted Kovalev.

- Kirsan Nikolayevich, Kovalev played in shorts in the first two rounds. Was it possible that arbiters could not notice this during the game?
The organizers had to decide on the spot. I do not interfere in this matter. President of FIFA does not interfere in the work of arbiters during the game.
- Do rules of FIDE stipulate how to dress?
Under the dress code, player should wear a suit. It is like an official event. It is recommended to play in suit or else they may come in underwear (laughs). This is usually stipulated in the contracts of chess players.
- Did Kovalev violate the rules of FIDE?
The situation is extremely unpleasant. Organizers should have told him about the way he was dressed before.
- According to Kovalev, Azmaiparashvili nearly attacked him...
It was ugly on the part of Zurab. Kovalev was offended at the way he was talked to. Sometimes words may hurt a lot. If I do not confuse anything, he has not received a fee for participating and winning the competition. He would have received a certain amount for two rounds. Zurab should not behave this way.
- Will FIDE initiate proceedings on this issue?
Kovalev should write to the commission on ethics about this. Even football judges can be penalized for swearing. There were witnesses. The disciplinary body of our organization will consider this situation.
- Was there something like this in the history of chess?
There were no such incidents, but there were times when chess players did not shake hands before the game. Later, it was decided that player must be considered as defeated for showing disrespect to his opponent.
- What is your attitude to what happened?
- I am upset that Zurab Azmaiparashvili lost his temper.