Vietnam Chess Federation responds to FIDE

The Vietnam Chess Federation has responded to FIDE's questioning regarding the fees and certification process at two coach training courses in Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City.

On May 22, the World Chess Federation (FIDE) sent an official letter to the Vietnam Chess Federation, requesting cooperation in clarifying irregularities in the organization of two training courses for chess teachers and coaches held in Hai Phong (from March 7 to 9) and Ho Chi Minh City (from April 25 to 27).

FIDE questions the Vietnam Chess Federation.

In a document signed by Legal Director Aleksandr Martynov in Lausanne (Switzerland), FIDE stated that it had received numerous reports and documents reflecting irregularities. These contents directly relate to Mr. Nguyen Minh Thang, currently serving as Vice President and General Secretary of the Vietnam Chess Federation.

Specifically, FIDE expressed concern over reports that tuition and certification fees for students may not have been transferred to the official accounts of the Vietnam Chess Federation or FIDE as required. Instead, these funds were allegedly transferred to a personal account under the name of Mr. Nguyen Minh Thang.

In addition, the organization also received information that trainees had to pay an additional fee beyond the initially announced amount (approximately 3.5 million VND per person). At a class in Ho Chi Minh City, some trainees were asked to pay an extra 2 million VND to complete the procedures for obtaining the FIDE certificate.

FIDE emphasized: “If verified, this would be a serious issue because the additional fees were not clearly stated in the initial announcement, but are directly related to the FIDE certification system. The basis for the fees, the receiving account, and whether the official fees have been transferred to FIDE need to be clarified.”

According to FIDE, as of the date of this document, the organization had not received any official fees related to the two courses in accordance with the proper financial procedures. In light of this situation, FIDE has activated a compliance review and verification process and temporarily suspended the issuance of certificates to all participants in the two courses until the matter is clarified.

However, FIDE also affirms that the above information is only preliminary and not a final conclusion regarding the responsibility of any individual or organization. In the event of discovering any violations, FIDE reserves the right to refer the case to the competent authorities in Vietnam for handling in accordance with the law.

Response from the Vietnam Chess Federation

Immediately after receiving the document from FIDE, the Vietnam Chess Federation submitted an explanatory report, along with complete class records and related financial documents.

Accordingly, the Vietnam Chess Federation stated that the organization of the two courses in Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City was carried out in accordance with FIDE procedures. The additional fee charged to students who wish to receive a certificate was also confirmed to be in compliance with current regulations.

The Vietnam Chess Federation stated that after each course, FIDE will send an invoice to complete financial obligations. To date, the tuition for the Hai Phong class has been transferred to FIDE, while the Ho Chi Minh City class is awaiting an invoice from the organization before proceeding with payment.

In its response, the Vietnam Chess Federation affirmed its full compliance with FIDE regulations and committed to continued close cooperation during the verification process. At the same time, the federation emphasized that it would handle the case transparently and responsibly, ensuring the legitimate rights of the students as well as the reputation of Vietnamese chess on the international stage.

Source: https://znews.vn/lien-doan-co-viet-nam-phan-hoi-fide-post1653774.html