The Court of Arbitration (CAS) in Lausanne has ruled in favour of FIDE in the case submitted by GM Vadim Milov, whereby he claimed compensation from FIDE for his non-participation in the World Chess Championship 2004 in Tripoli, Libya.

GM Milov claimed compensation from FIDE, based on allegations that FIDE acted in bad faith and in fact wanted to prevent him from participating in the WCC 2004.

CAS has ruled that there is no basis for such allegations and they have dismissed all claims from GM Milov. In the ruling CAS concludes as follows:

72. "Whereas Respondent (FIDE) undertook extraordinary efforts once it had realized the problem, and eventually succeeded in providing Claimant (GM Milov) with the necessary documents, it would have been reasonable for Claimant to honor these efforts and participate, even under slightly aggravating circumstances. The Panel (CAS) concludes that it would have been acceptable for Claimant to travel to Tripoli upon receipt of the invitation letter and play his first round match the same day. Claimant decided otherwise. He has to bear the consequences of his decision and there is no ground for Claimant to claim damages from Respondent."

FIDE is pleased that the Court has established that it did its utmost to secure the participation of GM Milov. FIDE also acknowledges the clear statement from CAS that a Sport Organization like FIDE cannot be responsible for the immigration laws and the respective legal systems of a host country that has been assigned to host an International Championship. It still remains the responsibility of every participant to care about the individual immigration requirements.


Download the Court decision in PDF format.


About FIDE

The World Chess Federation (FIDE: http://www.fide.com) is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the supreme body responsible globally for the game of chess and its championships. FIDE is organizing the World Chess Championship as well as all world championships for women, junior and youth categories, the bi-annual Chess Olympiad and it also publishes the official FIDE Rating List. FIDE has a membership of 160 national chess federations and it retains offices in Greece and Russia.

For more information contact:
Federation Internationale des Echecs (FIDE)
FIDE Vice-President Mr. Morten Sand
tel.: (+47)90561288, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it > This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it