No change in K-factor, for the moment

For the moment the K-factor won't be changed, but instead "studied further to clarify all aspects and consequences of a possible change". FIDE writes this in a press release on their website about the Presidential Board meeting which was held June 16-17 in Krakow, Poland.

The press release below was published on the FIDE website but as so often with these press releases by the World Chess Federation, many things still remain unclear. For instance, all that is said about the planned Candidates Tournament next year, is "The PB accepted the new regulations for the World Championship Candidate matches." Which regulations? And does this mean that the tournament format didn't make it, and we're going go back to matches?

What follows is, in our opinion, a diplomatic way of saying that FIDE is very happy to get rid of the Grand Prix tournaments as soon as possible: "In connection with the World Championship cycle, the PB emphasized that the continuation of the Grand Prix series can be approved only if all the contracts with the organizers of the 2010-11 GP events will be in place for approval before the Executive Board meeting to be held in October 2009. Otherwise, the GP series shall be eliminated from the cycle." It's clear that "all contracts will be in place" is yet again a formulation that's, well, not very clear, but if it means that six new tournaments should have placed bids and shown their money by October, this is just a joke.

The part about the K-factor seems pretty clear, but might not be: "Following the recommendation of a meeting of experts, the PB decided to refer the K factor change back to the Committee with further studies to clarify all aspects and consequences of a possible change as the recommendation was not to change the K factor now." Refer back to the Committee? So the Committee has the final word? But if the Committee has the final word, how can the PB send the issue back to them? And, ehm... what Committee?

Full press release below.

PRESS RELEASE

Presidential Board Meeting 2nd. Quarter 2009

The FIDE Presidential Board (PB) meeting with an agenda of more than 70 items was held on June 16-17th in Krakow, Poland.

FIDE President, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov praised recent events such as the first Women Grand Prix held in Istanbul and the Men's Grand Prix organized in Nalchik as successful events. He discussed his visit and negotiations in Mongolia: there is a chess in school program and a Women Grand Prix tournament in Ulan Bator. He also positively acknowledged the strengthening relationship between FIDE and SportAccord

Following the President's negotiations with the Russian government authorities, the PB decided to open a FIDE branch office in Moscow. The PB put in motion a plan to ensure that a Calendar for chess events should be put in place with measure to ensure adherence.

The PB acknowledged and discussed the proposal of David Kaplan, FIDE Development CEO, about the establishment of a new Internet portal centered around chess activities and the creation of a Chess News Agency. In relation to these developments, FIDE will enter into negotiation with Chess Lane company.

The PB made a decision to promote the activities of the FIDE Chess Academy system by franchising academies throughout the world, based on the model of the Singapore Chess Academy.

The PB accepted the new regulations for the World Championship Candidate matches. In connection with the World Championship cycle, the PB emphasized that the continuation of the Grand Prix series can be approved only if all the contracts with the organizers of the 2010-11 GP events will be in place for approval before the Executive Board meeting to be held in October 2009. Otherwise, the GP series shall be eliminated from the cycle.

The PB decided that beyond the regular activities, FIDE Public Relations should be conducted more by the implementation of target-oriented projects in the future.

Following the recommendation of a meeting of experts, the PB decided to refer the K factor change back to the Committee with further studies to clarify all aspects and consequences of a possible change as the recommendation was not to change the K factor now.

The PB discussed several future events and decided upon the bid dates which will be published on the FIDE website.

Ms. Boytsun, General Secretary of ACP, made a presentation of the work of ACP and the channels of co-operation between FIDE and ACP.

The FIDE President thanked the Malopolska Chess Federation and especially to Mr. Jan Kushina for the excellent organization of the event.

Peter Rajcsanyi

Public Relations and Marketing Director