– It is unacceptable that the quarantine ends now. This is how chess expert Atle Grønn comments on the news that Russian chess pro Sergej Karjakin is now back in the spotlight at the International Chess Federation (FIDE). – It is morally reprehensible by FIDE, he continues. In March, Karjakin was banned for six months after making several statements supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin and the country’s invasion of Ukraine. Now the six months have passed, without Karjakin becoming any less controversial, and without the war being scaled down. Among other things, the chess profile has used the time to collect money for the Russian military, ridicule the international sanctions against Russia and make accusations against the Ukrainian defense. – This only shows that Fide is in Russia’s pocket, concludes Grønn, who hopes that the western chess world will wake up. – There is no reason why the West should look at this with soft eyes, he concludes. Karjakin makes demands Karjakin reports the news himself on the social media Telegram, but there is not quite a “heels in the roof” mood with the Russian chess profile. – My six-month ban is over. That’s right, there is little joy about this, since there is still a long way to go before the opportunity to participate in international competitions, reads the message. IN THE HEAT: Karjakin, here during the 2018 Blitz and Rapid Chess World Championships, is back in the heat at Fide. Photo: ANTON VAGANOV / Reuters He makes some demands to Fide before he is interested in playing international tournaments again. – My participation is only possible if the Fide tournaments are organized in friendly countries, and that I can play under the Russian flag, and not under Fide or FSR (the Russian Chess Federation), writes the former WC challenger to Carlsen. Nor does he seem entirely convinced that the last word has been said. – In addition, it is possible that Fide, with pressure from the western chess community, can change its opinion, he continues. Karjakin was himself born in Ukraine, but has represented Russia in chess tournaments since 2009. – A bit dramatic by Grønn Jøran Aulin-Jansson, who was previously Norwegian chess president, is now vice-president of Fide. He confirms that the ban is over, but points out that Karjakin cannot play under the Russian flag. – Does Fide have any reservations about letting Putin sympathizer Karjakin back into the heat at the same time as Russia escalates the war? – To the highest degree. But Fide has an ethics committee that makes these decisions, and we on the board have no influence on that committee, says Aulin-Jansson to news. VICE PRESIDENT OF FIDE: Jøran Aulin-Jansson. Photo: Berit Roald / NTB He explains that it is up to the national associations to report Karjakin again, but at the same time emphasizes that Karjakin cannot be punished for the same misdeed twice. – Then we may have to come up with something new, if a new ban becomes relevant, says the Fide top. – It does not count that he is a Putin sympathizer and supports the war? – No, Karjakin also has a claim to legal certainty, replies the Norwegian. – Atle Grønn refers to this as morally reprehensible by Fide, and that this proves that the federation is in Russia’s pocket. What do you answer to that? – It’s a bit dramatic of Grønn. I think he also agrees that no one can be punished for the same thing twice, and that we cannot give a lifetime ban, concludes Fide’s vice-president.
ttn-69
Atle Grønn reacts strongly to Sergej Karjakin’s ban being over – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
