Sergey Smagin, Vice-President of the Chess Federation of Russia, has criticized Norwegian grandmaster Magnus Carlsen for his call to exclude Russian and Belarusian players from competitions under the auspices of the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
"Carlsen is undoubtedly the strongest chess player in the world right now. However, besides Carlsen, there are thousands of high-level chess players who hold different views on allowing Russians back onto the world stage. Carlsen is a member of the Norwegian federation, which has consistently opposed Russia. Moreover, Carlsen is expressing opinions that primarily benefit him. Without Russian players, the level of global competition decreases," Smagin told Telecomasia.net.
I would like to remind Carlsen that the start of his professional career happened in Russia. He visited our country as a boy, competed in various tournaments, and earned a significant amount of money here. Before making negative comments about Russia, it would be proper for him to pay back what he owes in terms of those winnings. I generally have a very negative view of political statements made by people who do not understand or influence these processes. Athletes should focus on sports, not politics.
Sixteenth World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen addressed the issue during an award ceremony recognizing him as the best chess player of all time, where he proposed that Russian and Belarusian players should not be allowed to participate in global tournaments.
Previously, Babur Tolbaev, head of the Chess Federation of Kyrgyzstan, suggested reinstating Russian and Belarusian players in FIDE competitions. This issue is set to be discussed at the general assembly of the organization, scheduled for September 21-22 in Budapest, Hungary.
