Press
Release |
Source: Universal
Event Promotion
|
Kramnik vs. Topalov: Proposal declined
The newly founded German event agency Universal Event Promotion (UEP)
submitted a written offer to FIDE World Champion Veselin Topalov as well as to
the Classical World Chess Champion Vladimir Kramnik.
This offer guaranteed a fee of US $500,000 (net) for each of the two players
– together US $1,000,000 (net). In addition, both players were to participate
in specified sponsoring revenue. The match was to be organised from 25 November
to 17 December 2006 under the title “World Chess Match of the Champions“. There
were to be 14 classical games.
With regard to a possible reunion of both titles the draft contract
contained a clause that would have made the unification under the umbrella of
the FIDE after conclusion of the contract possible.
The offer, which was accepted by Mr Kramnik, has now been rejected by Mr
Topalov, via his management. Intensive negotiations, which involved the
management of both players as well as the main investor of the UEP, originally
brought agreement on all issues. A golden bridge was built in order to avoid
any conflict with FIDE. On this basis the written UEP offer was submitted to
the players, with an acceptance deadline (14 November 2005, 18.00h CEST). The
Topalov side has allowed this period to expire and finally rejected the offer.
It is obviously clear that the drastic change in Mr. Topalov’s stand was
caused by FIDE. This can be seen from a message in which Mr. Topalov’s manager
stated that FIDE were not happy with the match organised by UEP and the terms
and conditions agreed in principle between the parties. In this message the
Topalov side voiced FIDE reservations about a possible defeat of Mr. Topalov
and possibly resulting consequences in chess politics. As compensation Mr.
Topalov’s manager requested a fee of US $1,000,000 (net) for Mr. Topalov and an
additional net sum of US $300,000 for FIDE. After the announcement of these
demands by the Topalov management UEP made it clear that at the present stage
UEP did not consider such demands as realistic, and repeated the existing offer.
It is regrettable that such material reasons are obviously used to avoid a
fair and sporting comparison in a direct duel between the two players, which
therefore will not take place.
UEP regrets deeply that Mr Topalov or his management, respectively, rejected
this offer which contained financial guarantees for both players for
approximately US $1,400,000 (after payment of all taxes) and further
possibilities for revenue from certain sponsorships. Especially considering
that after the announcement and early marketing of the event there would have
been an excellent opportunity for upgrading the match to an unification event
and so satisfy the interests of all the parties involved.”
After the latest developments World Chess Champion Vladimir Kramnik made
the following statement to UEP and authorised its publication:
“The commitment of UEP and my readiness to play against Veselin Topalov were
a further attempt to take the decisive step towards a final unification of the
chess world. However, it has once again become obvious that currently the
opposite side does not show any serious interest in realising this aim in a
concerned and professional manner.
It is generally known that I have completely fulfilled my part of the
obligations for the unification agreed in Prague. It is all the more surprising
that FIDE has not made any contribution towards a unification of the chess
world and, furthermore, obviously has never had any interest in an
implementation of the Prague Agreement. This has been made perfectly clear by
the non-organization of repeatedly announced – but never realized – matches
between my predecessor Gary Kasparov and the former FIDE title holders Ruslan
Ponomariov and Rustam Kasimdshanov, and again now.

Classical chess world champion Vladimir Kramnik
Very soon after the contract was signed in Prague I entertained serious
doubts that FIDE was supportive of unification because the agreement was not
fulfilled, which now must be obvious to anyone. These considerations may serve
as an explanation for my interviews and public stand on these procedures in the
past.
I am disappointed that FIDE remains inactive, and in addition Veselin
Topalov is turning down a serious proposal which could easily have led to a
solution. Therefore the unification of the chess world will be postponed for an
uncertain period of time.
In the current situation my main objective will be to continue working on
staging Classical World Chess Championship events in order to defend my title,
in accordance with the 120 year history and tradition of Classical World
Championship Matches. In my opinion respect for chess history and pursuance of
its inherent values are essential. I am absolutely convinced that chess enjoys
the still existing deep respect within our society only because of its own
history. This is linked especially to the personalities of the World Chess
Champions who emerged from the great duels for the title of World Champion.”
UEP Press release dated 14 November 2005
Universal Event Promotion GmbH
CEO Stefan Koth
Eicktelgenweg 18
D-44309 Dortmund/Germany