MUMBAI: The apex global governing body for the game of chess, the FIDE is keeping a close eye on the All India Chess Federation (AICF) and its controversies such as banning players and de-recognising several state chess federations, IANS reports.
FIDE vice president and Grandmaster Nigel Short was in India recently. He said that officials will be briefed about the state of affairs pertaining to Indian chess management and perhaps a note may also be submitted to the global chess body. He added that it had sought an official, written explanation from the AICF in December 2018 on certain issues which have irked stakeholders such as corporates and other sponsors.
Short also tacitly threatened action against AICF despite FIDE’s policy of non-interference in the activities of national chess federations.
“During my week’s stay in India and interaction with different set of people associated with chess, I have a better grasp of status of chess management in India.
“My India trip is to promote chess, meet sponsors and also a fact finding one. I have not met anyone in AICF. Somebody else from FIDE may meet AICF officials later.
“There several cases that AICF is fighting. It is still worrying that the AICF has been involved with, and continues to be involved with, so much litigation. There is a clear warning bell that something is amiss in AICF. A well governed body will not have so many court cases.
“If players are banned for playing chess and if a federation wants to control every aspect of chess, then it is a concern for us (FIDE). We will do something for that.
“I met officials of various corporates who sponsor chess. It was clear that there is clear enthusiasm to support chess. It is also clear that they have great deal of dissatisfaction with AICF and don’t want to deal with court cases,” Short was quoted as saying to the news agency.
“During his visit Short met officials of corporates like Jain Irrigation, a real estate company and others,” Indian Grandmaster Abhijit Kunte told IANS.
It is worth noting that the AICF is amongst the highest contributors financially to the FIDE with 30000 euros (Rs. 2.45 million) annually.
With India remaining one of the top chess playing nations in the world in terms of talent as well, FIDE’s concerns have grown since July 2018 when the Competitive Commission of India (CCI) held that the undertaking prescribed by the AICF for players regarding non-participation in events not authorised by it amounts to restraints that are in the nature of exclusive distribution and refusal to deal as defined in Section 3(f) and 3(4)(d) of the Competition Act 2002.
Back then, the CCI had mentioned in its order that the non-compliance of such undertaking will result in banning of players and removal of their Elo rating, create entry barriers, foreclose competition and restrict opportunities available to players.
As per the CCI order, complainants alleged that the AICF also removed the ratings of 151 chess players on that ground. In November 2018, the AICF attracted further CCI ire for not complying with its July 2018 order directing it to lay down the process and parameters governing the sanctioning of chess tournaments.
Despite India’s administrative woes, Short is bullish of the country’s success in the sport in the future.
“I believe India has potential to dominate chess like Russia did in the 20th century. That is not a fantasy. That could easily happen. India is a strong chess nation,” the FIDE VP signed off.
