WCL statement on Ukraine
My understanding is that the ECL league has been suspended this season so matches are in effect friendlies. The WCL statement is below and it is also my understanding that Ukrainian teams will not be penalised for either not playing or losing matches as a result of the current conflict. We are playing Donetsk and Kherson in ECL matches, these matches are null and void in terms of the league, so I’ll leave it upto you whether you want to play on or not, there will be no criticism from me, and depends on if your opponent is able or willing to play.
WCL and the war in Ukraine
We are shocked and appalled by the Russian attack on Ukraine. Our empathy and support is with the Ukrainian people and the millions of refugees that flee from the aggressor. In particular, our thoughts are with the admins and players of the Ukrainian teams and their families and with Serhii, our co-WCL admin. We hope that they are as safe as circumstances permit.
Organising a chess league that includes Ukrainian and Russian cities in this situation is absurd. For preserving continuity, further rounds will be announced. But it will be clear to everyone that this is not normal business. We have always stressed that we do not see cities as representatives of the countries they are located in. We further assume and hope that all participating players condemn the military aggression. Therefore there will be no sanctions for the time being. We'll follow the policy of chess.com and other leagues and might adjust our own in future rounds. Once the situation permits, we will think about a continuation of the league that warrants
- that Ukrainian teams need not bear a disadvantage from their absence,
- that teams that feel that they cannot play against Russian teams in this situation, are not sanctioned.
Management of the WCL will be reduced to a minimum. Please consult:
- https://chessteams.info/ for a list of incomplete teams
- https://chessteams.info/multiplayers.php for a list of multi-team players.
A profound thanks goes to @Dale00007 for the immense work he has put into the organisation of city matches during many years.
