AICF for written apology from players seeking re-registration

: The All India Chess Federation (AICF) has said players seeking re-registration would be allowed to do so if they tender a written apology and give an undertaking that they would abide by the rules of the federation.

The Central Council meeting held on March 23, 2019 decided that AICFs focus is not on punishment but on enforcing discipline and promoting talent.

Considering the lapse of time, financial difficulty expressed by players, and the primary objectives of AICF, the Central Council has decided those players who are interested in re-registration with AICF should be permitted to re-register if they tender a written apology.

Also, the players should give an undertaking that they would henceforth abide by the existing bye-laws/rules of the AICF, the federation said on its website.

Meanwhile, Gurpreet Pal Singh, one of the players banned by the AICF, wondered why the federation was showing concern about the players now.

"Why at this point of time... why is the AICF suddenly showing a lot of concern for the players," Singh, a former national junior champion, told PTI Saturday.

He said the Competition Commission of India (CCI) last year held that the undertaking prescribed by AICF for players' non-participation in events not authorised by the Indian chess body contravenes the provisions of the Competition Act.

Singh said the AICF had banned him and three other players in 2010 while the rule asking for an undertaking by players on not playing in unrecognised tournaments was introduced in 2011.

"I was banned in 2010 along with three others for playing in unrecognised tournaments while the rule asking for an undertaking on not playing unrecognised tournaments was introduced in 2011. How can I be judge for my conduct in 2010 when the rule came a year later," he asked.

He said the AICF should not seek apology from the players adding "why should I.. what wrong have I done. I haven't broken any law. "