ECF Statement World Seniors Prague 2025

I deplore GM Keith Arkell’s deeply personal attack via Facebook on Nigel Povah, the ECF Seniors Manager. This arose following the Seniors Selection Committee’s decision to give Keith the first board on the 50+ second team for the World Senior Team Chess Championship in Prague next February. The offer came with full conditions. Keith feels he should have been selected for the first team.

On his post and in exchanges with some of his followers on Facebook, Keith accuses Nigel and on occasions, the Selectors, of dishonesty, favouritism and bullying. We totally reject these accusations.

All the decisions and communications were made and agreed by the Senior Selectors; Nigel Povah, Stewart Reuben and Paul Littlewood collectively, with me, the Director of International Chess. The process was lengthy, involved several meetings, as well as many emails and conversations. The process also involved consultation with senior players who concur with the decision.

Nobody would dispute Keith’s excellent results and achievements in Senior chess, but the judgment call the Selection Committee made was based on feedback and observations that suggested things could be improved.

Sadly, Keith has chosen to publicly ridicule Nigel, the other members of the Selection Committee as well as post critical comments about fellow team-members. This is damaging to team morale and has brought English chess into disrepute. 

There will be no further public comment from the ECF on this matter.

Malcolm Pein