Viswanathan Anand becomes interim FIDE president after EU sanctions Dvorkovich
Viswanathan Anand has taken over as interim FIDE president after EU sanctions hit Arkady Dvorkovich. Anand was working as the deputy FIDE chief after Dvorkovich came into power.
Chess legend Viswanathan Anand has stepped into the role of interim president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) after the European Union imposed sanctions on the organisation’s current chief Arkady Dvorkovich. The Russian official was included in the EU’s latest sanctions package targeting individuals linked to Russia amid its ongoing war against Ukraine. Dvorkovich, who previously served as Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister between 2012 and 2018, had been leading FIDE since winning the presidential election in 2018.
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Anand’s elevation comes after the Indian grandmaster served as Dvorkovich’s deputy. The five-time world champion supported Dvorkovich’s successful re-election bid in 2022 and was later appointed deputy president at the FIDE Congress in Chennai, held alongside the Mahabalipuram Chess Olympiad. Anand said that his aim will be to maintain continuity and serve the global chess family.
"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," wrote Anand on X.
WHY DID THE EU SANCTION DVORKOVICH?
The EU’s decision to sanction Dvorkovich was based on allegations that he used his position at FIDE to promote interests aligned with the Russian government. The sanctions document referenced his previous political role, Moscow’s support for his re-election, and his alleged involvement in actions that undermine Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
The EU also cited Dvorkovich’s reported backing of Russia’s annexation of Crimea and statements regarding territories occupied by Russia as part of the reasons behind the measures. His association with the Russian Chess Federation’s Board of Trustees, which includes other sanctioned figures, was also highlighted, along with claims that chess events were organised in regions internationally recognised as part of Ukraine.
Chess legend Viswanathan Anand has stepped into the role of interim president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) after the European Union imposed sanctions on the organisation’s current chief Arkady Dvorkovich. The Russian official was included in the EU’s latest sanctions package targeting individuals linked to Russia amid its ongoing war against Ukraine. Dvorkovich, who previously served as Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister between 2012 and 2018, had been leading FIDE since winning the presidential election in 2018.
CHESS: FULL COVERAGE
Anand’s elevation comes after the Indian grandmaster served as Dvorkovich’s deputy. The five-time world champion supported Dvorkovich’s successful re-election bid in 2022 and was later appointed deputy president at the FIDE Congress in Chennai, held alongside the Mahabalipuram Chess Olympiad. Anand said that his aim will be to maintain continuity and serve the global chess family.
"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," wrote Anand on X.
WHY DID THE EU SANCTION DVORKOVICH?
The EU’s decision to sanction Dvorkovich was based on allegations that he used his position at FIDE to promote interests aligned with the Russian government. The sanctions document referenced his previous political role, Moscow’s support for his re-election, and his alleged involvement in actions that undermine Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
The EU also cited Dvorkovich’s reported backing of Russia’s annexation of Crimea and statements regarding territories occupied by Russia as part of the reasons behind the measures. His association with the Russian Chess Federation’s Board of Trustees, which includes other sanctioned figures, was also highlighted, along with claims that chess events were organised in regions internationally recognised as part of Ukraine.
Chess legend Viswanathan Anand has stepped into the role of interim president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) after the European Union imposed sanctions on the organisation’s current chief Arkady Dvorkovich. The Russian official was included in the EU’s latest sanctions package targeting individuals linked to Russia amid its ongoing war against Ukraine. Dvorkovich, who previously served as Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister between 2012 and 2018, had been leading FIDE since winning the presidential election in 2018.
CHESS: FULL COVERAGE
Anand’s elevation comes after the Indian grandmaster served as Dvorkovich’s deputy. The five-time world champion supported Dvorkovich’s successful re-election bid in 2022 and was later appointed deputy president at the FIDE Congress in Chennai, held alongside the Mahabalipuram Chess Olympiad. Anand said that his aim will be to maintain continuity and serve the global chess family.
"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," wrote Anand on X.
WHY DID THE EU SANCTION DVORKOVICH?
The EU’s decision to sanction Dvorkovich was based on allegations that he used his position at FIDE to promote interests aligned with the Russian government. The sanctions document referenced his previous political role, Moscow’s support for his re-election, and his alleged involvement in actions that undermine Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
The EU also cited Dvorkovich’s reported backing of Russia’s annexation of Crimea and statements regarding territories occupied by Russia as part of the reasons behind the measures. His association with the Russian Chess Federation’s Board of Trustees, which includes other sanctioned figures, was also highlighted, along with claims that chess events were organised in regions internationally recognised as part of Ukraine.
