- What contract?
- It all started moving when FIDE was about to sign the contract for the right to host the World Championship match in November. A couple of months ago, I personally spoke with one of the initiators of the project, the famous American businessman. And he confirmed that the sponsors were ready for the match and other chess competitions in the United States.
The sanctions were announced just a few days before the signing. Do not you think it's suspicious? I understand: my personal opinion may seem like a ‘conspiracy theory’. But, believe me, I'm not the only one who adheres to this version.
Anyway, what have sanctions got to do with it? If Ilyumzhinov traded oil with terrorists, it would have been a criminal offense. Kirsan Nikolaevich said that he was ready to defend himself in an American court, but no legal charges were served.
I suspect there wouldn’t be any court proceedings because in this case the solid evidence is required. In short, if they have specific charges, they should apply to court and if they do not have these, then there should be no sanctions.