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Chess Sat, Apr 8, 1972 – Page 36 · The Ottawa Journal (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) · Newspapers.com
Exercise In Futility?
Just when everything seemed to be ironed out, after many weeks of negotiations, in the world championship match between champion Boris Spassky and challenger, Bobby Fischer with a start on June 22 it now appears to be all off. An overseas dispatch states that Fischer has demanded from the organizers that, in addition to the guaranteed cash prizes, they split any excess through ticket sales, etc., between himself and Spassky. The Belgrade private sponsor has refused and canceled their end of the sponsorship for a June 22 start. There would not be time to go through further frustrating negotiations, which might last for weeks, judging by past experience, and still be able to put the show on. However, if they can get firm guarantees from all concerned, they may go on with it in the fall.
Meanwhile, Dr. Max Euwe, present of the Federation International des Echecs (FIDE), has issued a statement to the effect that Fischer may be defaulted. No man is bigger than the game and he is likely to find that world opinion will back the president, if such a regrettable decision has to be made.
Fischer was not present at the second meeting in Amsterdam, March 18-19, in which he was represented by USACF Administrative Director E.B. Edmondson, his long-time friend and counselor. The latter has been dismissed by him from further financial negotiations.
