I learnt that a letter attacking me was sent to many federations. The letter contained half-truths and distorted facts. I could keep silent, being fully confident of your massive support, but it's not the way I'm built.
Each of you knows my moral principles, my human qualities, my public statements, and can easily understand that I won't accept such a slander.
I believe that it is my duty to all of you to respond to accusations clearly and openly.
First of all, let me repeat that chess is a lifelong passion for me and a tribute to the memory of my father, international arbiter Vladimir Dvorkovich, and all these 4 years I and the international team of the new FIDE have been working tirelessly to implement our common vision to transform the chess life and make our community better.
I did not politicize chess, I was doing my utmost to be fair towards everyone, and never used my position to help promoting a certain country or policy. I worked hard and led my team to implement our common plans to transform chess life. The return to FIDE of the rights to host the World Championship Match and Candidates, agreements with broadcasters and sponsors, FIDE Development Fund programs, an increase in the number of tournaments and prize money in them, revolutionary transformations in women's chess, a program to support young players and veterans, reduction and cancellation of FIDE fees, a support for open tournaments, establishing online chess policies and competitions, launching social and educational programs of FIDE, and significantly increased, and at the same time, a stable budget - we have something to be proud of.
And it is to continue this work that I am running for a second term - and I am sure of your support. Let me remind you that according to the new Charter of FIDE, this term would be my last one. I pushed for setting two-terms cap, finding it fair and democratic.
Under my leadership, in February-March 2022, the Council adopted clear and unambiguous resolutions that comply with the recommendations of the IOC. I don't think anyone can say that I didn't do what I had to do for FIDE.
Unfortunately, my opponents resorted to personal attacks at me, that are designed to replace the competition of ideas, opinions, programs and in fact cover their absence.
The "pre-sanctions list" mentioned in the attacks against me contains the names of dozens of thousands of people, it has no legal significance and its compiler - a Ukrainian government agency - does not have any authority to impose international sanctions.
I will continue my work as President of FIDE, and I want to thank you in this regard for the support and formal endorsements by numerous federations that appreciate our work over the years -
Argentina, Bangladesh, Cyprus, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Libya, Mexico, Montenegro, Nigeria, Panama, Serbia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Yemen.
I know about the support of dozens and dozens more federations - and in a few days we will present an updated list.
Let me repeat that I am confident of your support, and that Dvorkovich team -15th World Champion Viswanathan Anand, the 9th Women's World Champion Zhu Chen, the respected international organizer Jøran Aulin-Jansson, the president of the Azerbaijan Chess Federation and the long-term organizer of the highest level tournaments, including the Baku Olympiad, Mahir Mammedov and many more devoted people - won't disappoint you.
For me, Dvorkovich team is all people who care about chess and its development, as our motto says "We are one family".
#Saychess