“On Friday Carlsen announced that he has officially withdrawn from the Norwegian Chess Federation. Sources believe he is reacting to the NCF’s decision in July not to approve a controversial 50m NOK (£42.6m) sponsorship deal with the betting company Kindred. Carlsen was a strong supporter of this agreement, was voted down, and later called the decision “a betrayal of this and the next generation of young people”. The consequences of his action today are unclear, although Carlsen’s manager says that he will continue to represent Norway internationally.”
Somebody’s a bit off on the currency conversion—50m krone is about 4.2m pounds, not 42m. Still a lot of money for chess in a country the size of Norway.
In New in Chess, there was an article about the controversy over having the Norwegian chess federation involved with overtures from gambling interests. IIRC, there are only about 3000 members in their federation. The focus is generally on kids and not so much on professional chess. Their federation hierarchy was uncomfortable with taking gambling money as it would have policy implications with the government and sports ministry.
I doubt that Carlsen would come here to the US. He is quite well off and can operate independently. His sources of income are in Europe. Why would he leave a free, socialist Norway to become an immigrant?
At last year’s world championship match I was talking with officials from the Norwegian federation. They shared that kids were watching the games in school in place of regular class work across the country.
Different demographics to be sure - 5 million people with little diversity in race or national origin.
Setting aside the rise of the far right in Europe, history and culture are the big draws to being in Europe.
Then again, when it comes to Rex’s money I’m reminded of the radio ads for Dennison in the 60’s on Murry the K’s show on WINS 1010 NY . They used to say, “Money talks. Nobody walks. Dennison, the men’s clothier, Rt.2 Paramus, NJ.” Right Fabio?
I’m not sure Carlsen would want to fight Caruana every year for the national championship. He seems like someone who picks his battles. But if he’s making a lot of money, that could be a reason to leave a socialist system.
Linus Torvalds left Finland for the USA, around the time he decided to start working for pay instead of just for free.
This would be wrong, as there is no such thing as Rt 2, Paramus, NJ. There is a Rt 4 or this could have been Rt 22, Union, NJ. And having lived in St. Louis for 9 years, I would rather live there, but I’m not Magnus Carlsen.
