Viswanathan Anand Takes Charge As Interim President Of FIDE

Published 24 July 2026 · europe

Viswanathan Anand Takes Charge As Interim President Of FIDE Published By, Last Updated: July 24, 2026, 12:25 IST Viswanathan Anand is interim FIDE president after

Viswanathan Anand Takes Charge As Interim President Of FIDE Published By, Last Updated: July 24, 2026, 12:25 IST Viswanathan Anand is interim FIDE president after Arkady Dvorkovich was sanctioned by the EU. Dvorkovich will challenge the sanctions. Vishwanathan Anand has served as FIDE Deputy President since 2022. (PTI Photo) Indian chess icon and five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand has stepped in as the interim president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) after president Arkady Dvorkovich temporarily relinquished his duties following his inclusion in the European Union’s latest sanctions package. On Thursday, the European Commission announced the adoption of the EU’s 21st package of sanctions against Russia in response to the war in Ukraine. The latest measures add 218 listings, comprising 48 individuals and 170 entities, making it the largest sanctions package introduced since the conflict began. The sanctions include asset freezes, restrictions on making funds and economic resources available, and travel bans for designated individuals. Reacting to the development, Dvorkovich criticised the decision and said he would contest it through legal channels.

“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," Dvokovich said in a statement. With Dvorkovich now subject to EU and Swiss restrictive measures, FIDE confirmed that its charter requires Deputy President Anand to take over presidential responsibilities on an interim basis. Explaining his decision to step aside, Dvorkovich said continuing in office while under sanctions could disrupt the federation’s operations. “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 his announcement, the FIDE Council formally approved and ratified Dvorkovich’s voluntary suspension from the office of president. In an official statement, the governing body clarified the extent of the restrictions placed on Dvorkovich while the sanctions remain in force. “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," FIDE said in a statement. The development comes just weeks after Dvorkovich, who has led FIDE since 2018, declared his intention to seek a third consecutive term as president at the federation’s General Assembly scheduled for September. Meanwhile, Anand, who has been serving as FIDE Deputy President since 2022, has confirmed that he will contest for another term as deputy president during the elections to be held alongside the 46th Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan in September.