Archive · 24 Jul 2026
Anand becomes FIDE interim president after EU sanctions Dvorkovich
Viswanathan Anand, a famous chess player, has become the temporary leader of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) because the current leader, Arkady Dvorkovich, was put on a sanctions list by the European Union.
The EU did this because Dvorkovich was a high-ranking official in Russia, and the EU is punishing Russia for its actions in Ukraine.
Dvorkovich says the sanctions are unfair and plans to fight them.
Anand, who has been the deputy leader, will now take over until the situation is resolved.
He won't be running for the deputy president role but will support Dvorkovich's team.
The EU's sanctions include freezing assets and travel bans.
Dvorkovich has decided to step aside temporarily to avoid problems for FIDE.
The FIDE Council accepted this decision.
Dvorkovich plans to run for another term as president, but Anand will not be running for deputy president.
The next election will be in September at the Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan.
Viswanathan Anand becomes FIDE interim president after EU sanctions Arkady Dvorkovich.
Dvorkovich was sanctioned due to his role as Deputy Prime Minister of Russia.
Anand will not run for deputy president but will support Dvorkovich's team.
EU sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans.
Dvorkovich plans to challenge the sanctions and will seek re-election in September.
- Who
- Viswanathan Anand, Arkady Dvorkovich, European Union
- What
- Viswanathan Anand becomes FIDE interim president after EU sanctions Arkady Dvorkovich
- When
- Friday, following the EU's 21st sanctions package
- Where
- International Chess Federation (FIDE)
- Why
- EU sanctions against Dvorkovich due to his role as Deputy Prime Minister of Russia and ongoing war in Ukraine
Dvorkovich's Perspective
EU's Perspective
Sanctions Legitimacy
Dvorkovich's Perspective
Dvorkovich considers the EU sanctions unlawful and unfair, and plans to challenge them.
EU's Perspective
The EU maintains that the sanctions are justified in response to Russia's actions in Ukraine.
- Current FIDE Interim President
- Viswanathan Anand
- Sanctioned FIDE President
- Arkady Dvorkovich
- Sanctioning Body
- European Union
- Sanction Package Number
- 21st
- FIDE Deputy President Role
- Viswanathan Anand
- FIDE Deputy President Candidate
- Timur Turlov
- FIDE General Assembly
- September 2024
- Chess Olympiad Location
- Uzbekistan
Sources
Viswanathan Anand takes over as FIDE interim president after EU sanctions on Dvorkovich
Vishy Anand takes charge of FIDE as interim chief after EU sanctions Dvorkovich
Viswanathan Anand Takes Over As FIDE President After EU Sanctions Arkady Dvorkovich
Chess Legend Viswanathan Anand Takes Helm As Interim FIDE President
My focus will be on ensuring continuity, serving global chess family: Viswanathan Anand
