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Sports

Viswanathan Anand named interim FIDE President amid Dvorkovich sanctions

hellohimachalse@gmail.com 25 Jul 2026 25 Jul 2026

New Delhi: Indian chess great Viswanathan Anand has taken over as the interim president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) after Arkady Dvorkovich suspended his duties following sanctions imposed by the European Union.

Dvorkovich has served as FIDE president since 2018 and was even included in the EU’s latest sanctions package over his alleged links with the Russian government. Before leading FIDE, he was Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister from 2012 to 2018. As per the FIDE Charter, Anand has now assumed the role of interim president until further notice.

Anand is a five-time world chess champion and had been serving as FIDE’s deputy president after backing Dvorkovich during his successful re-election campaign in 2022. He was appointed to the role at the FIDE Congress held in Chennai alongside the Chess Olympiad.

Anand promises stability

After taking charge, Anand thanked Dvorkovich for his leadership and said his focus would be on ensuring FIDE continues to function smoothly.

“Following the decision by President Arkady Dvorkovich to suspend the exercise of his duties, and in accordance with the FIDE Charter, I have assumed the responsibilities of Interim President. I want to thank Arkady for his leadership and for putting the interests and stability of FIDE first.

Together with the FIDE Council, the administration and our member federations, my focus will be on ensuring continuity and serving the global chess family. FIDE’s work continues. Arkady has built a strong team and vision and I today take it as our collective responsibility to carry the work forward. Gens Una Sumus,” Anand wrote on X.

Why EU took action

According to the European Union, Dvorkovich was sanctioned over claims that he used his position at FIDE in ways that supported Russian government interests. The EU referred to his previous political role, Russia’s backing during his FIDE re-election campaign and his reported involvement in activities linked to the country’s actions in Ukraine.

The sanctions also mentioned his reported support for Russia’s annexation of Crimea, comments regarding occupied Ukrainian territories and his connection with the Russian Chess Federation’s Board of Trustees which includes other sanctioned individuals. The EU further pointed to chess events reportedly organised in territories internationally recognised as part of Ukraine.

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