Top players sign an open letter in support of Vasyl Ivanchuk

Living legend Vasyl Ivanchuk received a wild card from FIDE to participate in the upcoming World Cup in Baku. According to current legislation, he needs permission from the Ministry of Youth and Sports to leave the country for sports purposes as he is under the age of 60. Such permission was not granted. To address this situation, some of the world’s top GMs — including Magnus Carlsen and Vishy Anand — signed an open letter to the Minister of Youth and Sport of Ukraine, Mr. Vadym Gutzeit. | Photo: sunwaychessfestival.com