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Kremlin throws weight behind Kirsan

Earlier today at a key meeting of the RCF (Russian Chess Federation)  in Sochi it was decided to approve of Kirsan Ilyumzhinov’s run for the FIDE presidency later this October. The vote was 11 in favour, 0 against and 8 abstentions.

There was some uncertainty on the matter since Ilyumzhinov had recently had a falling out with the President of the RCF, Andrey Filatov, and he made it known that he would prefer to see another candidate, such as Karpov. However, such important decisions can only be made with the approval of the Kremlin, which Filatov clearly did not get.

With today’s decision, the last obstacle to Kirsan’s run for the FIDE presidency has been removed. It also means that the Kremlin believes that the US sanctions placed on the FIDE president since 2015 will not be an impediment to him performing his responsibilities.

It is thought by some that Ilyumzhinov might now even be acclaimed President in October, as the only other candidate, Makro, is expected to withdraw  at any moment. Another rumour is the entire presidential board (clearly supporting Makro) will follow suite and resign, leaving FIDE in administrative limbo until the October elections.

I will write at more length on the RCF meeting, and especially on Ilyumzhinov’s comments, as they become available.

TO BE CONTINUED

Kirsan, obviously pleased, just releases a Tweet! LINK