FIDE chess candidates

One of the world's most prestigious tournaments is facing a significant hurdle as FIDE has announced a public appeal to the Canadian authorities to expedite the visa process for several players. Update, March 2: Canadian Chess Federation President Vladimir Drkulec says there's a week to fix things and otherwise the tournament will be moved to Spain.

For the first time in history, the much anticipated event is scheduled to take place in Canada, but now dark clouds have appeared in the sky. With 33 days left before the first move is made in Toronto on April 4, FIDE has expressed "grave concerns" about the "timely arrival of players."