Bulgaria’s Topalov Faces Ban for Linking Kramnik to KGB
Sports: 22 December 2006, Friday.
Bulgaria’s chess king Vesselin Topalov may be disqualified by FIDE for three years for violating the Code of Ethics by linking Vladimir Kramnik to the KGB in an interview for Spanish newspaper ABC.
People from outside who were Russians and were far from the world of chess helped Kramnik, Topalov said in the interview. These were either amateurs or people from the secret services, he added.
They were the ones who placed the Internet cable in Kramnik’s toilet, he said.
Topalov also said that he was afraid for his life while in Elista and that he would never go to Russia again. Nobody from Kramnik’s team was involved in that, that’s why they deny the whole thing, he said.
Topalov suspected FIDE’s president Kirsan Ilymzhinov was also involved in the plot because he was a businessman who was obeying orders because there had to be a Russian champion. For these words of Topalov Kramnik’s manager Carsten Hensel lodged a claim with FIDE against the Bulgarian chess master.
Hensel said he had always respected and liked Topalov and was disappointed by the Bulgarian’s claims. He also said that there was no possibility in Kramnik’s toilet for a cable to be installed because security measures in Elista were very severe and all wireless devices were strictly forbidden. The scandal could be put out because Henzel learned Thursday that the interview with Topalov was only published online and did not appear in the paper version of ABC.
The full article can be read here.
It is very sad for the chess community to have to deal with this mess. This is why I said many times that I wish all 3 parties would just control their emotions and dealt with things properly back during the match. There is so much animosity between the parties now and it is hard to change. This is also why strong and responsible leadership is needed.
One other question that I asked back then was why on earth would Danailov allow Topalov to play in Elista? No manager should ever put their client(s) in that position. The rule of neutral country was there for a reason. How can one cry foul after when one accepted the site? Same goes with accepting the appeal’s committee.
Too many scandals in sports.
He is crazy, he should play soccer or something else, quit chess.
Maybe we can get a Topalov/Fischer winner-take-all championship match for the title of…most schitzofrenic, paranoid distributer of lies and giberish in the history of chess. I’m predicting a 6 1/2 to 6 1/2 draw and plenty of accusations of the other using facts in his arguements in violation of the rules.
You are correct Susan. I am sure if you were in charge you would have talked to Topalov in private and asked him to control himself. I am sure he would have respected your wishes and would have done so.
Now because he was not given some kind of warning, Topalov has continued to get bolder in his statements until it has become far too much.
Many people online have been stating that he should be given a ban for his statements at Elista. But Topalov has now become even worse. I guess now others are talking of a ban.
I really do not believe that either Topalov or Kramnik have ever used a computer to cheat at chess. All such statements are rediculous.
3 years is kind of stiff however. But it certainly will send a message and change the atmosphere. I am sure it will stop just about everyone from making similar statements.
I would like to see Danailov get a ban also. If they can not ban him then I hope they institute some rules that would allow it in the future. A manager definitely should always conduct himself with dignity and grace. I can understand the athlete getting caught up in the emotions of the sport at times. But the manager needs to stay calm.
I really look forward to you helping at USCF. Interesting topic that Topalov might face a ban. I wonder if it will happen.
Dear Susan,
I believe FIDE didn’t give the players a choice over committee members this time, in stark contrast to former World Championship Matches.
FIDE’s fault…
Topalov was accommodating, or the match may not have happened for a very long time
As far as I am concerned Topolov should ANNUL the last World Championship Match… and keep calling himself the World Champion and let Kramnik call himself the Classical World Champion. After he declares the match void he should keep the $500,000 for emotional anguish that was caused by the high speed cable going into Kramnik’s toilet.
Also, I am hoping that someone will post video of Kramnik breakroom on You Tube so we can see the cheating for ourselves.
Well, historically speaking, Topalov is repeating the same kind of conspiracy charges that Fishcer made. IMO, there is some reality behind them and their accusations should not be labelled as lunatic. Russians (inlcuding a lot of you here) do play extreme dirty politics ( – pretty much like Bush – ) they create and fervently pursue their own truth to the extreme. Where Fischer went overboard is to go against the USA-military directives and his extreme anti-Jew views.
>>One other question that I asked back then was why on earth would Danailov allow Topalov to play in Elista?>>
Because it was beneficial to them. Topalov was FIDE champion, playing in FIDE headquarters against the “renegade” Classical champion, with an Appeals Committee stacked with FIDE Board Members. Danailov allowed play there because it was advantageous. No other reason. After Topalov lost despite all his advantages, they came up with the story that no, this wasn’t an advantage after all, it was a disadvantage. Funny we never noticed it before…
The rule of neutral country was there for a reason. How can one cry foul after when one accepted the site? Same goes with accepting the appeal’s committee.
Well the point no one is discussing is
Do you think Topalov should be banned for a time. The 3 years is a maximum. He definitely has violated the rules which specify up to a 3 year ban.
I think some censor is good. At minumum he needs to stop this talk. If he were to stop the bad talk then I could let it go. But if he continues after an official warning he will need to be banned for a time.
Of course he technically has violated the rules many times and is subject to a ban right now.
I am kind of a softie. I dont like to punish people. I like to simply talk to them and expect they will then behave.
But there is much to be said for firing a warning shot across the bow to all chess players to not act this way. That would be good.
I do not know of a precedent in any sport for banning a player for exercising free speech after a match is over. Such ban would come out as heavy handedness by Kirsan or at worse as an attempt to muzzle him. Now is the time for cool head to prevail if we want to avoid another defection in the FIDE rank.
“I do not know of a precedent in any sport for banning a player for exercising free speech after a match is over.”
??????????
EVery single sport I am aware of has rules for their players to follow. Paramount among those rules is a prohibition on attacking the sport that butters their bread.
He is embarassing himself and his sport.
You know, you dont believe the cheating until you analyze the game 1 and game 2 yourself with Fritz 9.
It is truly amazing that a lot of Kramnik moves, really are the first line or first choices from Fritz 9.
Just move the Topalov’s move, then let Fritz 9 continues, it will continue with Kramnik move most of the time.
Of course I also do the reverse, but Topalov did not have the same moves quite often as Fritz’s, like Kramnik moves did.
I am a Kramnik fan. But now I become doubt myself about this match. It is unbelievable, until you play and analyze the games yourself.
I just hope FIDE put a strict rules, to not allow any cellphones or belonging in someone pocket during the match.
Maybe the match should be made shorter. Just make it one hour match, at most 1 and half hour.
With nobody can leave the seat until the match is done.
Nowadays, the computer made the best moves. There is no need for the human to find and create the best moves. Let the game be faster, but not that fast so it becomes uninteresting.
It should be reasonably faster, while not allowing them to leave the seat until the game is done.
But at the same time, not reducing the quality of the game so much too.
Can this be done :))
Topalov should learn how to behave. We are all sick of his crazy stories. He is just frustrated that he never was a real World Champion. Only a FIDE-champion…
Ban this man, please! Thx.
He is very bad publicity for our sport. He behaves like a 9 year old! (and his manager like a 6 year old)
I remember an interview with Danailov BEFORE the match with Kramnik. He was asked about he parapsychologist. He said that through the help of that man they already know the outcome of the match . He was very optinistic.
Now here is the deal: they “know” beforehand that Topalov will lose. What were they trying to prove in the match? That the parapsychologist was wrong?
Or maybe that man “knew” Topalov will win. But:
now they lost the match. I guess that parapsychologist had some questions to answer. About why he was right and yet Topalov lost.
Hello, someone get the idea? Of course Kramnik must have helped his “fate” through cheating, because the parapsychologist WAS right. Topalov beat Kramnik, but he had no chance against FRITZ. (irony!!!)
What I would advice Topalov: get rid of that parapsychologist and get real. Then you do not have to repeat disgraceful conspiracy theories made up by some foolish wannabe clairvoyant.
Although I normally agree with Susan, I don’t think that Hansel’s complaint or request is a matter of excessive emotions. Based on the interview, a move should be made, either through FIDE or courts. Letting Topalov go around proclaiming Kramnik a cheater and in league with a sinister KGB is slanderous at best.
That said, I dearly hope that Topalov isn’t banned!
And I think that FIDE has strong leadership – Kirsan does as Kirsan wishes. It needs responsible leadership.
>>I do not know of a precedent in any sport for banning a player for exercising free speech after a match is over.>>
Yes you do, you’ve just refused to investigate it. That’s known as “willful ignorance”. In fact, every sport you know has such rules, and it’s well past time to exercise them against Topalov before he destroys chess completely.
Such ban would come out as heavy handedness by Kirsan or at worse as an attempt to muzzle him. Now is the time for cool head to prevail if we want to avoid another defection in the FIDE rank.
>>Do you think Topalov should be banned for a time. The 3 years is a maximum. He definitely has violated the rules which specify up to a 3 year ban. >>
Yes, Topalov should clearly be banned. The offenses are undisputable, and repeated a half dozen times now.
Should he get the full three year ban for a first offense? Maybe not. Topalov does come across as a big child, making up more and more grandiose stories, not really understanding there’s anything wrong with it. Now we’ve got the KGB and supposed implants that render the whole toilet business totally moot. That didn’t seem to occur to him, he just says anything.
What’s a fair sentence? Split the penalty up. A 1 year suspension for Topalov, 2 years for Danailov.
Jack Le Moine said…
>>This seems very unfair to me. Banning T merely for making statements while clear cases of cheating require “study”? What gives?>>
It’s because you’re dishonest with yourself. Topalov’s statements obviously break the rule against public accusations against players, officials and sponsors. Pretending not to understand can’t possibly help him. Even if you don’t admit it, there are plenty of people who will.
Similarly, claiming there’s clear evidence of cheating and hoping that nobody will bother asking you for specifics is equally feeble, and doesn’t mitigate Topalov’s guilt in any case.
It’s lies exactly like these that have pushed Topalov to the very brink of banishment. And in this dire situation, all you can think of to do is repeat the behavior that caused the problem in the first place. I find that terribly, terribly sad.
If Topalov does get banned, you can take comfort in knowing that you helped do it to him.
Does anyone calling for Topalov’s banning actually know what the FIDE ethics codes are? Or do you just think what he did was wrong and should be punished.
Note: as the article says, if the interview was published without his approval (IF he was given the right of final approval), then this is moot.
Banning still the highest rated player in the world would pretty much prove it to me that there was some dirty business about Kramnik’s victory.
Therefore that would be a very poor strategy “to stop Topalov”. That would also prove that freedom of speech doesn’t belong to the chess world.
Also: are there pictures of the alleged high speed internet cable in that toilette or not?
Gabor
Dear Susan,
What rubbish are you taliking about? If Topalov made this slanderous accusation with no proof he should be disciplined. Which sport do you know of that will allow something like this to continue unabated? This is what gives chess a bad name. Hensel was right to respond to it going through proper channels via FIDE.
This is the appropriate response! You must be biased not to see that!
Susan asks:
“One other question that I asked back then was why on earth would Danailov allow Topalov to play in Elista?”
The answer is simple: Guaranteed $500,000 purse.
Susan says:
“How can one cry foul after when one accepted the site?”
Obviously Danailov and Topalov want their cake and eat it too. And now ss they chew away on the hand that is feeding them they risk severing it completely.
Elista was Topalov’s home turf. Kirsan wanted Topalov to win. It was Kirsan’s decision to lock Kramnik’s restroom. FIDE wanted Topalov as champion, for two reasons:
1) The lucrative Azeri oil match (and the money involved)
2) Topalov would definitely play in Mexico, while Kramnik remained pretty much an uncertainty in this regard
Susan has again got it wrong. Elista did not benefit Kramnik as a venue.
Banning Topalov/Danailov for a year, would be one of the best things to happen to chess in a long long time.
It would send a clear message. Arbiters study suspicions of cheating. Public accusations, bringing chess to disrepute, are NOT allowed. It’s for the better of the game!
BAN TOPALOV FOR 12 MONTHS! DANAILOV FOR 24-36!
The idea of banning Topalov is absurd. His behaviour has not been nearly as bad as Fischer’s used to be; or Kramnik’s since 2000.
If anyone should be banned for 3 years, it should be Kramnik. Consider:
(1) Kramnik refused to give Kasparov a reasonable means to qualify to become his challenger. This was by insisting that the only way Kasparov could qualify was by participating in Kramnik’s absurd Dortmund 2002 charade.
(2) Kramnik broke the Prague 2002 Agreement by saying he would not play the winner of a Kasparov-Kasimdzhanov match. He did this on the pathetic pretext that the FIDE Champion he was supposed to play was to be the winner of a Kasparov-Ponomariov match, not a Kasparov-Kasimdzhanov match (the change being due to Pono’s refusal to play his match).
(3) Whether he cheated or not, Kramnik’s toilet behaviour certainly appeared very suspicious, and he has still not given a convincing explanation for it. So it was Kramnik, not Topalov, who started this whole business.
(4) We still cannot be sure that Kramnik will play in Mexico City even though he signed to do so (shades of Prague). If Kramnik could be trusted to keep his word, there would be little doubt about his participation, but this has manifestly not been the case. Clearly, the chess world does not trust Kramnik’s word.
So, hey, who is the REAL villain?
As for the intention to stop Topalov playing chess for 3 years, it is obviously ridiculous because the FIDE ethical code refers only to how players behave during the matches and tournaments, and, of course it does not refer to how they express their views in newspapers and other public media after the matches and tornaments.
Otherwise, it would be defiinitive breach of the basic right of citizens to speak and share publicly their(no matter true or false) opinions, wouldn’t it?
Kramnik, if he feels offended, could sue Topalov in a Spanish court for a verbal offence, but to deny the adverse opinions of his former opponent through the FIDE machinery is too much of a nonsense. In fact, it smells to some well-known rotten tactics from the old Soviet times when the communist state used such international organisations to shut-up the mouth of their most ardent and “offending” opponents. And if not …
michael c.m. sais:
>
Yes, there is a restriction to the free speach, … but only during the events, and only because it could compromise the events!
Show me an example of a sport which has a written rule to say, that in public comments after matches and tornaments, they participants “should not offend” other participants and ogranisers. Obviously it would be meaningless and would contradicts to a very basic human right of higher importance (the one of free speach). The society provided for such cases (verbal offence and so on), that the offended side may sue the offender in a civil court which will then apply all the existing “offence laws”, considering the evidence and statements of competing sides. It is not far from my mind to realise that Mr. Kramnik would easy lose such a civil court case, as to have and express wrong opinions about others is not denied in a democratic society.
Topalov: “Kramnik is cheating, he is part of a big KGB conspiracy that threatened my life! Oh, and he’s a coward too.”
Kramnik: “No I’m not, what are you talking about? Show us the evidence or apologize.”
Susan Polgar: “These emotional outbursts from both sides are too much! Why can’t everybody just get along?”
anonymous said…
“You know, you dont believe the cheating until you analyze the game 1 and game 2 yourself with Fritz 9.
It is truly amazing that a lot of Kramnik moves, really are the first line or first choices from Fritz 9.
Just move the Topalov’s move, then let Fritz 9 continues, it will continue with Kramnik move most of the time.
Of course I also do the reverse, but Topalov did not have the same moves quite often as Fritz’s, like Kramnik moves did.
I am a Kramnik fan. But now I become doubt myself about this match. It is unbelievable, until you play and analyze the games yourself.”
I never believed it. I laughed out loud when I heard of Danailov’s statement about Kramnik matching up to Fritz in each game. Ironically, when I saw someone make a statement on a chess forum about this, where he had tested the match-up himself, only 1 game Danailov had the right % of match-up : the others he had all shamelessly raised without any reason.
What was even more funny, was that Kramnik only matched up about 75% on average – which is normal for a player of his skills.
Also, this is the first time ever Topalov mentioned about “cables” been found – he gave lots of interviews before, why didn’t he say it back then?
He’s simply a lying scumbag, I hope he gets a ban of 3 years.
Susan Polgar said:
>
To be more precise, such a KGB link has not been literally named by Topalov in his ABC interview. What he said is that some Russians outside the chess world helped Kramnik (implied involvement of authorities or clandestine organisations). He also said “..those who told him (Kramnik) the moves were fans or from the KGB. And finally, later in the interview, he said that “Kremlin will not admit they have killed the Russian spy, which seems obvious, neither Kramnik will admit that he cheated”. The possible KGB link was indicated but not alleged directly.
Topalov must show the evidence.
Otherwise, he should be banned
for 3 years
Susan’s original post expressed amazement that Topalov agreed to have the Kramnik-Topalov match in Elista Russia.
This is another inherent problem with having Kirsan as FIDE president. There are almost no other sponsorship sources than “Kirsan’s” money. Kirsan wants to sponsor mostly in Elista, which he envisions as the chess capital of the world (silly idea).
So, my guess is, Topalov accepts Elista, or much less money.
G
acirce said…
Topalov: “Kramnik is cheating, he is part of a big KGB conspiracy that threatened my life! Oh, and he’s a coward too.”
Kramnik: “No I’m not, what are you talking about? Show us the evidence or apologize.”
Susan Polgar: “These emotional outbursts from both sides are too much! Why can’t everybody just get along?”
Actually, it is closer to:
Topalov: “Kramnik is cheating, he is part of a big KGB conspiracy that threatened my life! Oh, and he’s a coward too.”
Kramnik: “No I’m not, what are you talking about? Show us the evidence or apologize.”
FIDE: does not say anything
Susan Polgar: This is why I said many times that I wish all 3 parties would just control their emotions and dealt with things properly back during the match.
On the other hand, Susan’s way, probably is the only way that gives the paranoic a chance( very small) to stop.
By the way, I don’t think that Topavov should be banned from playing, but he should be fined. It is a usual practice in professional sports. Look at Mark Cuban and NBA.
all homes have extra cables and wires, the rooms in Elista arent only for chess either so they have to be able to adapt. In any case can anyone actually believe that Kramnik plugged a high speed cable up his arse to connect it to a pocket fritz contained in his bladder while he was sitting on the crapper?
Perhaps Topalov’s and Danailov’s accusations and insults do not violate any FIDE rule.
This then leaves all FIDE event organizers to not invite Topalov to any rated event for a period of 3 years: a de facto ban.
Has anyone told Topalov that the KGB was disbanded in 95?
Stop that 3-year ban non sense before everybody start believing this is normal procedure. There is a difference between a fine and stripping someone of his right to earn a living for speaking his mind after a match is over.
Topalov does not need a fine or a suspension. What he needs is medication.
I hope Topalov gets banned got his outrageous comments and for bring the game of chess into disrepute. If he was playing anu other sport such as cricket tennis, rugby or cricket he would be censure and fined for his coments. I am sick and tire of these outrageous accusations that Kramnik cheated. Kasparov picked him as a future world chess champion and was his second. Also if you look at his performance and records for wining tournmanet prizes the claims by Topalov are laughaable. He is a sore loser. When Lasker got beaten by Capablanca he was a real gentleman and said I got beaten by a better player. Even Bobby Fischer was a gentleman I have never heard any bad comments made about him by other chess players. Topalov can’t admit he got beaten fair and square.
yeah…hit him where it really hurts: in the pocket book (wallet).
All major chess event organizers should, for a period of three (3) years refuse to invite Topalov to their tournaments, instituting a de facto (unofficial, yet 100% effective) ban upon him.
Why should they put their time, money, and effort (and sometimes put their prestige and social standing on the line, as well) into a tournament just to have Topalov make wild accusations against them when he fails to win? Surely, the major FIDE chess tournaments and organizers cannot afford this.
How would any of those moralists here behave after being threatened and cheated out of the chess crown? Answer this question and then judge others.
>>“May FIDE tell the public why it didn’t publish the photos showing the cables in the toilet of the Russian and the documents proving their existence and signed by the chairman of the Organization Committee Valeriy Bovaev.
The resignation of the second Committee of Appeal, whose members wanted to leave Elista because of the cables, was deliberately concealed,” Topalov’s manager said. He called on FIDE’s Ethic Commission to demand from the Organization Committee the records of the rooms of the two chess players, which showed Kramnik’s unusual toilet visits.
The staff of the Bulgarian chess master will send today all available documents from Elista to FIDE’s headquarters.
This is the real reason for the FIDE ban. The documents and evidence for cheating are too unsavory for them.
I must disagree with Susan in two areas. First, asking for “strong and responsible leadership” in this case is too vague. Second, “animosity” is too strong a word to describe the reactions of the parties involved.
The second point first.
FIDE has shown little reaction other than conciliatory statements since the end of Elista. There is no animosity on their part.
Kramnik/Hensel seem, at most, annoyed. They have issued statements saying they will sue if victims of slander, and Hensel said he wouldn’t greet Topalov if he met him in the street. This doesn’t sound very friendly, but is short of animosity. Kramnik has never been anything but professional.
Topalov/Danailov are relishing in the success of their marketing ploy. Were it not for these pointless accusations, Topalov would be a distant memory. Instead, they are the center of attention. Topalov is not schizo. He is not paranoid. This may be about money, or Topalov may believe he has a chance at being a part of history, perhaps like Bobby Fischer. At any rate, this has nothing to do with animosity and precious little to do with truth or chess.
Regarding the first point, what role can FIDE have here ? Can it:
1. Attempt to limit what people say about chess competitions after the event ?
I wonder if they can really enforce this, unless players have agreed to it in their contracts, no matter what internal rules say.
2. Attempt to get people to sit together and discuss their issues ?
Illy tried to do this during Elista, but didn’t get very far. Given that Topalov/Danailov are interested in the publicity which their behaviour is generating, it is doubtful that any initiative would be successful.
One good thing does come out of these accusations: I use to have a negative opinion of Ponomariov. Now I’m just sorry for him that his manager, Danailov, robbed him of a chance to play his title match.
Topalov lost. He should be history. We have our champion. Let’s go on with our lives.