Dear All
On the 30th of July 2013, I got the information that Adly Ahmed would not participate to the World Cup. I immediately reacted by sending a message to Fide and asking the Egyptian Chess Federation. The answer I received from Egypt, the same day (30th of July) was that all the Egyptian players qualified to the World Cup, including Ahmed Adly, will participate to the Event.
I am also disappointed (maybe not as much as Adly himself) that he is not taking part to this World Event. I am sure the leadership of the Egyptian Chess Federation; particularly its President, Mr Hesham Elgyndi, did everything they could, until the last minute, for the participation of Ahmed Adly to the World Cup. I am sure they did not expect this outcome.
Of course, if it had been known for certain that Ahmed would not be able to be present in Tromso, he would have been replaced by Haddouche Mohammed, provided that the pairing was not done.
The whole matter is sad for Adly, for Haddouche, his would be replacement, and most of all for Africa.
Best regards
Lakhdar Mazouz
President
African Chess Union- See more at: http://www.thechessdrum.net/blog/2013/08/07/egypts-adly-denied-travel-to-world-cup/comment-page-1/#comment-20827
Part of the response by Dr. El-Gendy, President of Egyptian Chess Federation:
Firstly, there was an issue with Adly’s passport being full except for two “remarks” pages. Those of you who have traveled extensively will know that embassies require at least two “visa” pages which differ from “remarks” pages. Getting a new passport (or pages added) was not an option. Apparently, any adjustment to Adly’s passport status would require the completion of his one-year service! So the Egyptian chess officials spent eight days of discussion with the Norwegian Embassy in Cairo attempting to convince them to issue a visa stamp in the old passport. Finally the Norwegians complied and the visa was issued on Tuesday, August 6th (yesterday).
Secondly, there was the required approval from the Ministry of Defense (Obligatory Military Services Department). Adly has to report for his one-year stint next Sunday. While getting the visa issue resolved, the ECF were also seeking permission and secured an official letter from the Ministry of Sport to allow Adly to travel thereby postponing the service for one week. On Tuesday, August 6th, the request was DENIED! On today, Wednesday, August 7th another attempt was made and also denied.
Adly told me that today was the last day to resolve the issue. Thursday is the Eid ul-Fitr holiday marking the end of Ramadan. Players are traveling on Friday, August 9th. The tickets were purchased weeks ago and Adly’s will have to be returned for a loss. IM Haddouche Mohammed of Algeria would have been the replacement, but there was simply not enough time to make arrangements.
– See more at: http://www.thechessdrum.net/blog/2013/08/07/egypts-adly-denied-travel-to-world-cup/comment-page-1/#comment-20827
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