Chennai, Dec 14 (IANS) The global chess governing body FIDE may not take sides between two warring factions of National Chess Federation (NCF), said an official.

The Indian chess body -- All India Chess Federation (AICF) -- is witnessing a serious power struggle between its President P.R. Venketrama Raja and Secretary Bharat Singh Chauhan with charges and counter charges being made.

The AICF might be heading for a split.

Queried on the possibility of FIDE giving its recognition to another Indian chess body or a faction, the official preferring anonymity, told IANS: "It is not unprecedented, but FIDE generally dislikes splits and would normally only contemplate such a thing if there were severe problems with the official Federation."

In general, the FIDE would like to work with a government recognised NCF.

--IANS vj/aak/pgh/