FIDE President Temporarily Steps Down Following EU Sanctions
Arkady Dvorkovich, president of the International Chess Federation, announced that he is temporarily stepping down from his duties after being subjected to European Union sanctions. While the restrictions remain in effect, the organization will be led by FIDE Vice President and 15th World Champion Viswanathan Anand.
Dvorkovich himself stated that he disagrees with the sanctions, considers them unfair, and intends to appeal the decision.
Arkady Dvorkovich, President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), announced that he is temporarily stepping down from his duties after his name was included in the European Union’s 21st sanctions package.
Dvorkovich emphasized that he does not recognize the EU’s decision and plans to seek its reversal through the courts. “Today, the European Union published its decision to include my name in the 21st sanctions package. I want to state unequivocally that I consider this decision to be illegal and unjust, and it will be immediately challenged by all possible means. I am confident that justice will prevail,” he said.
At the same time, he explained that he had decided to temporarily step down from the federation’s leadership so that the sanctions would not affect its work. “I have decided to voluntarily suspend the exercise of my powers and duties as FIDE President, effective immediately and for as long as I remain subject to sanctions under EU and Swiss law,” Dvorkovich said.
He clarified that this decision is temporary and will remain in effect until the sanctions are lifted or modified, or until a court issues a final ruling.
Who Will Serve as Acting FIDE President
According to the statutes of the International Chess Federation, the duties of the president automatically pass to the organization’s vice president. FIDE will now be temporarily led by Viswanathan Anand—a legendary Indian chess player, the 15th world champion, and one of the most decorated grandmasters of our time.
Dvorkovich expressed confidence that the federation’s leadership will be able to ensure the organization’s stable operation. “I want to emphasize that I trust the FIDE Council and am confident that, together with the organization’s administration, it will overcome all challenges and do everything possible to ensure the uninterrupted operation of FIDE, the holding of its tournaments, and the implementation of its social programs,” he noted.
What We Know
Arkady Dvorkovich has headed the International Chess Federation since 2018. Prior to that, he served as Deputy Prime Minister of Russia and held a number of high-level government positions. Recently, the European Union included Dvorkovich in its 21st round of sanctions. According to him, this was the reason for his temporary suspension from his duties as FIDE president.
For now, the federation continues to operate as usual. FIDE states that international tournaments, social programs, and other projects will continue as planned. This was reported by the FIDE press service.
The European Union has imposed sanctions against Russia’s Minister of Sport and Chairman of the Russian Olympic Committee, Mikhail Degtyarev, as well as the President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), Arkady Dvorkovich.
