The World Chess Federation, the governing body of the game of chess, released new “antidoping rules� for chess players on Tuesday. The rules replace, or update, previous guidelines. Drug testing was begun several years ago to bring the federation, and chess, in line with the rules and requirements of the International Olympic Committee and other international sporting organizations. Part of the reason was to get chess included in the Olympics — an idea that seemed far-fetched, at best. Chess players have complained about drug testing and pointed out that, aside from caffeine — which many competitors consider essential — there are no drugs that can ...

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Oh dear. Now all the chess players are being drug tested.

But why? We don't want a repeat of Dresden 2008 now, do we? Chess isn't going to become an Olympic sport in its current form, so why bother with this senseless testing?

Why the testing?
Because the FIDE chose to join the Olympic Movement. As a member of the movement, they have to abide by the same rules as all other members.

Why join the Olympic Movement?
Joining the movement isn’t necessarily about appearing in the Olympic Games. When in doubt follow the money. It may be in the form of opening doors for the sponsorship of International and National events. It may be that some national organizations become eligible for funds from their National Olympic Committees or from government programs. It may be that the IOC also distributes funds to the international federations that are not a part of the games.

Money is only speculation on my part, but surely the FIDE realizes that Chess appearing in the Olympic Games is slim at best.