Cold War Continues Unabated
Updated on: 04.01.2007, 15:07
Published on: 22.12.2006, 13:52
The cold war between Topalov and Kramnik continues unabated. Russian media say Veselin Topalov may be disqualified for violating FIDE regulations.
"Vesko donated 5,000 leva for the Bulgarian Christmas Fund. We'll send all documents from Elista today"
Silvio Danailov, Manager of GM.
Russian media say the 19th World Champion could be disqualified for violating the ethics regulations of FIDE.
In an interview for the Spanish newspaper ABC, Topalov said he believed the KGB was behind the Russian chess player. Kramnik's manager Kristen Henzel has already submitted a complaint in FIDE and Topalov could be penalized. The adviser of the president Ilymzhinov, Beril Balgabaeev says the Bulgarian could be disqualified altogether.
"Topalov violated the ethics regulation of FIDE. We've already submitted a claim against Topalov. If we defend our position, the Bulgarian could be disqualified and won't be able to take part in future tournaments. I think he should be punished. I've known him for nine years and I used to respect him as a person but now I am disappointed. If we were to meet him today I wouldn't even greet him," the German Henzel said.
"All modern security measures were taken in Elista and any contact with the outside world was strictly forbidden. And Topalov says something about a cable. The truth is we insisted on inspecting the room ourselves. There was no way for Kramnik to access any kind of information. These conditions applied for both players. After he match I remember that Topalov himself said the organization was perfect," Kramnik's manager explained.
According to Kristen Henzel there is no evidence that the interview that Topalov gave for the ABC newspaper is actually true. No one has seen the paper itself. There is even talk that there was no agreement on what to publish between the interviewer and Topalov. That could change things, but we will leave that to the experts," Hazel added.
The President's advisor Berik Blageev also gave his opinion on the situation. "I am almost sure Topalov never gave that interview. This could well have been his manager, Silvio Danailov who is a real expert in getting things messed up."
"Topalov is not that kind of person. He is a good and decent person. Although the game in Elsita was extremely stressful, he wants to spend his Christmas holiday there. I would be very glad if agreement is reached on this matter. Both sides should make a compromise and we'll discuss this option with Henzel soon. But if the situation goes out of control, the commissions will take into account the complaint of the Russians and the punishment for Topalov will be severe. The regulation says he could be disqualified for no less than three years," the clerk added.
The answer from Silvo Danailov was instantaneous.
"Kramnik's manager, Christen Hazel wants Topalov to be disqualified. This is a way to deny the invitation by Topalov for a rematch next year in Sofia."
"Ask FIDE why the pictures of the cables have never been published together with the document prooving their existence signed by the chairperson of the organizing committee Valery Bobaev," Danailov suggested. "All this was done on purpose. They never mentioned the resignation of the second appeal committe. They all wanted to leave because of the cables that were fount in Elsita.
Topalov's manager insisted that the Ethics Committee of the International Organization demand e recording of the match from the Organizing committee. There we can see the unusual visits of Topalov to the restroom. The Bulgarian side will send all the necessary documents to FIDE today.
Meanwhile, it became clear that Veselin Topalov will donate 5,000 leva for the Bulgarian Christmas Fund under the patronage of the Bulgarian President Georgy Parvanov.
Sick children and hospitals in Bulgaria need our support and I am proud to be part of this national cause," Topaliv said.
Last year Topalov gave away his Land Rover Jeep to charity. He was awarded the prize after he was chosen for sportsperson of the year in 2005.
Veselin Toplaov will also take part in a fund-raising event in the National theatre "Ivan Vazov" on December 25, 2006. The money raised will be donated to the Bulgarian Christmas Fund. (topsport)