Russians Bribed Delegates in the FIDE Presidential Election; the FSU Released an Audio Recording
The Ukrainian Chess Federation has released an audio recording in which, it is claimed, prominent Russian chess figure Mark Glukhovsky discusses the possible bribery of delegates and the orchestration of schemes during the 2018 presidential election of the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
The author of the publication notes in the caption that the voice on the recording belongs to Mark Glukhovsky—a Russian chess official and citizen of the Russian Federation.
According to the FSU, in the audio recording he tells his interlocutor how, on the eve of the 2018 FIDE presidential election, he allegedly bribed delegates and organized voting schemes.
At the time, Glukhovsky was the campaign manager for Arkady Dvorkovich, a former Russian deputy prime minister. Following the election, Dvorkovich became FIDE president.
In 2022, Arkady Dvorkovich was re-elected as FIDE president. His second presidential campaign was also marred by scandals.
However, in July 2026, Dvorkovich stepped down as FIDE president after the European Union imposed personal sanctions against him.
The next FIDE presidential election is scheduled for September 26–27, 2026. It will take place during the organization’s General Assembly in Samarkand.
According to reports, Russian businessman Timur Turlov, who holds Kazakhstani citizenship, is running for the position in place of Dvorkovich.
Mark Glukhovsky is set to head his campaign.
Thus, the release of the audio recording may draw additional attention to the upcoming election for the head of the World Chess Federation.
The Ukrainian Chess Federation stated that the released recording should serve as a basis for appropriate conclusions not only by the chess community but also by the relevant authorities.
“Well, now, following the release of the audio recording, the entire chess world must understand and realize how the Russians have conducted and intend to conduct—including now in Samarkand—the FIDE presidential election. It is obvious that the relevant authorities must also draw their own conclusions. Such actions know no international borders,” the Ukrainian Chess Federation’s statement reads.
The allegations of bribery and vote rigging are currently based on the content of the released audio recording and the position of the Ukrainian Chess Federation. Their veracity and the circumstances under which the recording was made must be determined by the competent authorities.
The recording in question appeared on the Ukrainian Chess Federation’s Facebook page
Earlier, Arkady Dvorkovich, president of the International Chess Federation, announced that he was 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.
Vadim Rosenshtein, a candidate for the presidency of the International Chess Federation, has found himself at the center of a scandal due to business ties with Russia, which, according to Russian registries, may contradict his public statements.
