Norway’s Chess Olympiad, which played out in the northern city of Tromsø last August, faced several problems including legal challenges from the international chess federation, a rowdy federation election and the deaths of two players, apparently from stress. Norwegian Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen didn’t perform well, either, and now the organization behind the event is being forced into bankruptcy.
Tromsø newspaper Nordlys reported that cleaning company ISS has filed the bankruptcy petition against Sjakk-OL in Tromsø, after the organization failed to pay a bill for NOK 607,320 (USD 94,000) for cleaning services performed during the Olympics. The financially troubled organization also faces claims from other businesses, including several local hotels in Tromsø that provided rooms for participants.
Børge Robertsen, director of Sjakk OL, confirmed the bankruptcy filing but said he hopes ISS will withdraw it after evaluating a new payment offer from the organization.
ISS officials, however, said they weren’t satisfied with Sjakk-OL’s offer, which amount to 90 percent of the outstanding amount owed. “Sjakk-OL owes money to many, so we can’t rely on the offer,” said Jan Bjørebo of ISS.
Sjakk-OL has long had a strained economic situation, not least after failing to receive an extra NOK 15 million in state support it had sought.
newsinenglish.no staff
