Prestigious chess tournament in Toronto could be moved to Spain if visa issue not resolved
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) is asking the federal government to urgently approve the visa of players participating in an elite tournament in Toronto next month.
In a post on X, FIDE said players from various countries who submitted their visa applications a few months ago have yet to receive any updates on their status.
The Candidates Tournament, which will be held at the Great Hall from April 3 to 22, is the most prestigious tournament in the chess world, according to FIDE, as it will determine the player who will challenge the defending world chess champion.
"This is the first time in the history of chess that the most prestigious tournament is due to be hosted in Canada, recognizing the country's growing role in the chess world," FIDE said in a statement.
"With only a month remaining till the FIDE Candidates Tournament, there are grave concerns about the timely arrival of the players to Toronto. Recognizing the popularity of the game in the country and its growing role in the chess world, we kindly ask the Canadian Government for support in urgently addressing this matter."
Vladimir Drkulec, the president of the Chess Federation of Canada, said a deadline had been set for next Friday for the government to give an assurance that the visa issue would be resolved promptly or the tournament would be moved to Spain.
Drkulec said it would be a big loss for Canada if that happens.
"I'm really hoping that … somebody in the government gets interested and makes this happen because it's within their power. If it doesn't, then it's going to be very painful," he said.
"A lot of people have done a lot of work, and to have it just evaporate like that would be very disappointing."
Sixteen elite chess players – eight men and eight women – are competing in the tournament. In addition to them, officials and coaches also need visas.
Many of them, Drkulec noted, have applied as far back as November and are still waiting for approval with a month left before the competition starts.
Drkulec said Canada may never get another opportunity to host such a prestigious tournament if the event gets moved elsewhere.
He added that many people had been working behind the scenes to get the issue resolved, including contacting members of Parliament.
"We won't see this again if this doesn't happen," Drkulec said.
In the social media post, FIDE tagged the account of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and Minister Marc Miller.
"Ensuring the safe and timely arrival of players is crucial for the success and integrity of the FIDE Candidates Tournament and for promoting Canada as a host of the most important chess tournament of the year, which will be followed by millions of spectators worldwide," FIDE said.
CP24 has reached out to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and to Minister Miller’s office for comment.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here are the signs you're ready to downsize your home
Amid the cost-of-living crisis, many Canadians are looking to find ways to save money, such as downsizing their home. But one Ottawa broker says there are several signs to consider before making the big decision.
A 12-year-old girl is accused of smothering her younger cousin over an iPhone
A 12-year-old girl in Tennessee has been charged with murder, accused of smothering her eight-year-old cousin as the younger girl slept. A relative said they had been arguing over an iPhone.
Workplace habit of 'coffee badging' prompts reported new policy at Amazon
The term 'coffee badging' has gained some new significance this week with multiple outlets reporting Amazon is allegedly taking measures to counter the workplace trend it refers to.
More B.C. heat records broken as wildfires intensify
Daily high temperature records were broken in more than a dozen B.C. communities Saturday, as hot and dry weather continues to cause a surge in wildfire activity.
'Twisters' whips up US$80.5 million at box office, while 'Deadpool & Wolverine' looms
Moviegoers ran toward the tornadoes this weekend, propelling 'Twisters' to a blockbuster opening. The standalone sequel to the 1996 hit made US$80.5 million in ticket sales from 4,151 theaters in North America, according to studio estimates Sunday.
Small businesses grapple with global tech outages created by CrowdStrike
Businesses from airlines to hospitals have been grappling with a faulty software update that caused technological havoc worldwide on Friday, and its repercussions continued through the weekend.
'Shoot for the stars': Indigenous contestants in Miss Universe Canada on the importance of representation
More than 60 women, including some Indigenous participants, will compete for the top spot at Miss Universe Canada.
'I took a bullet for democracy': Trump holds first rally after assassination attempt
Donald Trump is holding his first campaign rally since he survived an attempted assassination, returning to the battleground state of Michigan alongside his new running mate.
The Secret Service acknowledges denying some past requests by Trump's campaign for tighter security
The U.S. Secret Service has acknowledged it denied some requests by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's campaign for increased security at his events in the years before the assassination attempt on him at a recent rally.