Viswanathan Anand Steps in as Interim President of FIDE Amid Sanctions

Anand Takes Charge as FIDE Interim President

Lausanne, July 24: Renowned five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand has assumed the role of interim president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) following the inclusion of its Russian president, Arkady Dvorkovich, on the latest European Union sanctions list.

The EU, in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, has implemented a comprehensive set of sanctions against Russia. Recently, the European Commission announced the approval of the 21st sanctions package, which includes 218 new listings, comprising 48 individuals and 170 entities—the highest count since the onset of the war.

These sanctions entail asset freezes and restrictions on financial resources, alongside travel bans for the individuals affected.

In a statement, Dvorkovich expressed his discontent regarding the sanctions, stating, "Today, the EU decision to include my name in the 21st sanctions list was published. I want to state unequivocally that I consider this decision unlawful and unfair, and this decision will be immediately challenged by all possible means. I am confident that justice will prevail."

According to article 19.2 of the FIDE Charter, Anand, who serves as Deputy President, will take over as Interim President while Dvorkovich remains under the sanctions imposed by Swiss and EU regulations.

"However, given that until a formal court decision is rendered and/or such decision is cancelled or amended, these sanctions could hinder the stable functioning of FIDE, I have decided to voluntarily suspend the exercise of my powers and duties as FIDE President with immediate effect and for as long as I remain subject to sanctions under the EU and Swiss laws and regulations. In accordance with the FIDE Charter, the duties of the President will be assumed by the FIDE Deputy President, the 15th World Champion, Viswanathan Anand," he added.

Following Dvorkovich's announcement, the FIDE Council has accepted and ratified his decision to suspend his rights and responsibilities as President.

FIDE stated, "Dvorkovich will not exercise the responsibilities, duties, rights and prerogatives provided by the FIDE Charter, particularly article 18 of the FIDE Charter, and other regulations as long as the measures provided by the 'Ordonnance instituant des mesures en lien avec la situation en Ukraine' and the EU Regulations No 269/2014, are in force. Specifically, Mr. Dvorkovich shall not act in the capacity of 'detenteur de contrôle' ('owner, holder or controller') of FIDE or its assets."

Last month, Dvorkovich, who has been leading FIDE since 2018, announced his intention to run for a third consecutive term as president during the federation's General Assembly scheduled for September.

In contrast, Viswanathan Anand, who has held the position of FIDE Deputy President since 2022, has declared his candidacy for the Deputy President role during the upcoming presidential election at the General Assembly, coinciding with the 46th Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan. Timur Turlov, President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, has been named as a candidate for the Deputy President position.