"Chess is more than a sport; it is a combination of science, culture and art. Chess will save the world", Ilyumzhinov stressed. "My move is E2 E4. Make your move."
Kirsan Ilyumzhinov is the legendary president of FIDE since 1995. Due to provocations of the West, he was suspended from his post on 13 July, 2018. He has received many state awards and decorations.
Earlier, it was reported that the FIDE Presidential Council stated that Ilyumzhinov had decided to resign. It turned out to be a lie. Later, the Presidential Council suggested that Ilyumzhinov resign but received a negative answer, and now Ilyumzhinov was suspended by the Ethics Commission for 18 months. Thus, he could not take part in the FIDE Congress, which will be held in Batumi in October.
Ilyumzhinov considers that this decision to be political, which is understandable. He believes that the US sanctions against him were imposed after the slanderous letter of Garry Kasparov, who had been expelled from FIDE for corruption. The main proponent of this process and the most likely winner of the presidential race Georgios Makropoulos also met Kasparov.
However, there is still time before October. Meanwhile, Ilyumzhinov is going to appeal to CAS, which can cancel the decision of the Ethics Commission.
Editor’s note: The International Chess Day is over. Russian President Vladimir Putin also congratulated chess players. Kirsan Ilyumzhinov receives congratulations from all corners of our planet. Chess lovers wish health and success to the President of FIDE. Many people write words of gratitude on Ilyumzhinov Instagram page. We will definitely publish all the telegrams, kind words and wishes. Kirsan Nikolaevich is deeply grateful to everyone who has found time to congratulate him on the holiday.
On 20 July, the head of FIDE Kirsan Ilyumzhinov congratulated the whole world on the International Chess Day. In 1966, this day was included into the calendar of memorable dates of UNESCO.
"Millions of people play chess in all corners of the planet, in all countries. We want billions to play chess. Why? Because chess is an ancient and beautiful intellectual game," Ilyumzhinov said. He added that chess is much better than war.