Azerbaijani chess players demand Radjabov’s return to Candidates Tournament

The men’s chess team of Azerbaijan has sent an open letter to FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, professional chess players and all chess fans, Report informs.

Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, Arkadij Naiditsch, Rauf Mamedov, Nijat Abasov and Gadir Guseinov have signed the appeal.

In their appeal, the three-time European champions said that holding the Candidates Tournament, suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, was an erroneous decision.

They asked the FIDE leadership to return Teimour Radjabov to the tournament.

“We believe that in such conditions, holding and then suspending the Candidates Tournament is a step contrary to normal sporting principles and a manifestation of neglect of the health of chess players,” reads the appeal. “FIDE should be responsible before the chess players and the entire chess world for the decisions made. We ask and demand to return our teammate Teimour Radjabov to the Candidates Tournament.”