Fide and Freestyle Chess Feud: Players not Required to Sign Waiver

The world of chess is currently embroiled in a heated feud between Fide, the world chess governing body, and the organizers of the Magnus Carlsen-led Freestyle Chess Tour. The latest development in this ongoing saga is Fide’s announcement that players participating in the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour this year are no longer required to sign a waiver note.

This decision comes after the organizers of the Freestyle Chess Tour removed all references to the “World Championship” title from its regulations. Previously, Fide had mandated that players sign a waiver note by February 4 to remain eligible for the official World Championship cycle. However, with the removal of the title references, the waiver note is no longer necessary.

The feud between Fide and the Freestyle Chess organizers has been brewing for months, with negotiations breaking down and tensions running high. Fide has been adamant about maintaining its sole authority over the “World Championship” title, while the Freestyle Chess organizers have been pushing to award the title to the winner of their tour.

Magnus Carlsen, the reigning world chess champion and leader of the Freestyle Chess Tour, has been vocal in his criticism of Fide’s actions. He has accused Fide of coercion, misuse of power, and broken promises, citing a previous agreement that players would not be affected by the dispute between Fide and Freestyle Chess.

While Fide has removed the requirement for players to sign a waiver note, the standoff between the two sides is far from over. German entrepreneur and Freestyle Chess promoter Jan Buettner has threatened legal action in an open letter, indicating that the conflict is far from resolved.

As the chess world continues to watch this unfolding drama, the future of the World Championship title remains uncertain. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.