Lausanne, July 24 — Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand has taken charge of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) as interim president after the federation’s Russian president, Arkady Dvorkovich, was placed on the European Union’s latest sanctions list. The move follows the EU’s adoption of its 21st package of measures related to the invasion of Ukraine.
The 21st sanctions package adds 218 listings — 48 individuals and 170 entities — and includes asset freezes, prohibitions on making funds or economic resources available, and travel bans for designated persons. The European Commission said the package is the largest since the war began.
Reacting to his designation, Dvorkovich said in a statement that the decision was “unlawful and unfair” and that he would “immediately challenge [it] by all possible means,” adding, “I am confident that justice will prevail.” He also announced he would voluntarily suspend the exercise of his powers as FIDE President while subject to EU and Swiss restrictive measures.
Under article 19.2 of the FIDE Charter, Anand, who has served as FIDE Deputy President since 2022, will assume the duties of President for as long as Dvorkovich remains subject to the applicable Swiss and EU regulations. The FIDE Council accepted and ratified Dvorkovich’s decision to suspend his responsibilities.
FIDE’s statement made clear that, while the Swiss ordinance “Ordonnance instituant des mesures en lien avec la situation en Ukraine” and EU Regulation No 269/2014 remain in force, Dvorkovich will not exercise the rights and prerogatives set out in the FIDE Charter — in particular he shall not act as “détenteur de contrôle” (owner, holder or controller) of FIDE or its assets.
Dvorkovich, who has led FIDE since 2018, had announced last month that he would seek a third successive term at the federation’s General Assembly in September. The General Assembly will be held during the 46th Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan; Anand said he will contest the deputy president post at the federations’ election during that Assembly, with Kazakhstan Chess Federation President Timur Turlov named as a candidate for the role. The interim handover places Anand at the centre of FIDE’s leadership ahead of a pivotal election period.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/sports/vishy-anand-to-lead-fide-on-interim-basis-after-eu-sanctions-1614682
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Publish Date: 2026-07-24 14:29:00
