Group Banned From FIDE Vote

Tromso, Norway, August 10, 2014 -- In a dramatic development today, apd's Grand Prix Circuit (GPC) has been barred from casting a vote in the upcoming election for FIDE President.

The FIDE election board cited public statements by GPC members GK59 and DaveNourse in revoking the group's voting privelege.  Gordon allegedly declared publicly that his vote was "for sale," while Dave spoke of betting on the outcome. "Betting on FIDE elections violates FIDE rules," the Board said, "while offering to sell votes openly violates the FIDE tradition of carrying out sensitive business with dignity and discretion."  GK59 immediately filed suit charging defamation, while GPC itself filed papers in Tromso District Court seeking an injunction against FIDE to stop the entire election.

Partly in response to these developments, Alfred E. Newman announced he was running as a write-in candidate.  Newman, pictured here, has a broad but little-known chess background, including victories over Fischer, Reshevsky and both Byrne brothers.  When asked his program, Newman replied, "What, me worry?"