Garry Kasparov has promised comprehensive changes and modernisations in chess if he is elected as the new president of FIDE.
“We will change practically everything. We will start with the organisational structure, which is run quite rigidly,” the former world champion from Russia said during a tour of Costa Rica.
Kasparov is hoping for a global network with many regional centres in which games are played according to the same rules. One of the focal points of his programme is bringing the game to more youngsters.
He also wants to improve the relationship between the FIDE and individual federations.
“FIDE should not interfere with the matters of the federations and stop living off the costs of the federations,” the 51-year-old said.
Kasparov added that under his leadership, chess could become more attractive for sponsors. “It’s a scandal that the FIDE doesn’t have any sponsors.”
He said the world body failed to find a location for the world championship final between Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand. “One month after my victory, I will find the money and the location for the tournament,” Kasparov promised.
Kasparov, often considered the best player in history, believes he has a good chance to be elected president over long-time incumbent Kirsan Ilyumzhinov.
“I am hoping for the magical number of 89 votes that I need to win. I am working very hard to make sure that every one of the 176 voting countries knows what I am offering,” he said.
