On 12-13 December 2015 the FIDE delegation had an inspection trip to Baku on the preparation and holding of the Chess Olympiad in Azerbaijan. FIDE was represented by FIDE Deputy President Mr. Georgios Makropoulos, Vice President Mr. Israel Gelfer. ECU President Mr. Zurab Azmaiparashvili and Chairman of the FIDE Arbiters’ Commission Takis Nikolopoulos were also present in Baku.

During the trip the delegation met with Mr. Azad Ragimov, the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Dr. Elman S. Rustamov, the President of Chess Federation of Azerbaijan, the Head of the Central Bank, Mr. Mahir Mammadov, the manager of the Executive Direction of the Organizing Committee, Vice President of Chess Federation of Azerbaijan and Chief Arbiter of the Olympiad IA Faik Gasanov. They visited the venue of the forthcoming World Chess Olympiad - the Crystal Hall.

During the meeting organizational issues were discussed and it was agreed that the preparation for the World Chess Olympiad is going according to schedule. FIDE Deputy President Mr. Georgios Makropoulos credited the organizers for the excellent organization of the World Cup in Baku and stressed confidence that the organization of the World Chess Olympiad will be on the highest level.

The delegation had a separate meeting with the heads of the Olympiad organizing commissions and discussed several issues about the preparation of the event.

Mr. Makropoulos requested from the Organising Committee to invite all the delegates of FIDE’s National Federations during the FIDE Congress with their airfare expenses included in the event’s budget (hospitality is already included). This will be especially important for the Olympiads during which FIDE elections are held, as helping the direct participation of all countries strengthens further FIDE’s internal democratic procedures. Mr. Azmaiparashvili also supported the proposal of Mr. Makropoulos and he agreed to implement this new idea in the Batumi Olympiad 2018 as well.



FIDE delegation has examined the Crystal Hall and discussed various technical issues with the organizers.



During the visit a friendly game between FIDE Vice President Israel Gelfer and the President of the European Chess Union (ECU) Zurab Azmaiparashvili took place.



Baku Crystal Hall