1st May: Greek-Russian businessman Ivan Savidis, new owner of the biggest Thessaloniki football club PAOK and main sponsor of the Greek Chess Federation, is interested to hold the top chess events in Thessaloniki.
The main incentive for the motion is the beautiful venue in the historical hotel Makedonia Palace where Savidis recently took the management.
It is still uncertain whether the next FIDE Grand Prix will be held in Thessaloniki, but this destination together with nearby Halkidiki is renowned after many successful international events.
We are expecting more information soon.
2nd May update: FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov officially confirmed that the next Grand Prix will be held in Thessaloniki, Greece between the 21st of May and 4th of June 2013.
Makedonia Palace
