Viswanathan Anand became the interim president of FIDE after the EU sanctions on Dvorkovič

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 organization’s current head, Arkadij Dvorkovic. A Russian official has been included in the EU’s latest package of sanctions targeting people linked to Russia during the ongoing war against Ukraine. Dvorkovic, who served as Deputy Prime Minister of Russia from 2012 to 2018, has led FIDE since winning the 2018 presidential election.

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Anand’s promotion comes after the Indian grandmaster served as Dvorkovic’s deputy. The five-time world champion supported Dvorković’s successful bid for re-election in 2022 and was later appointed as the representative of the president at the FIDE Congress in Chennai, which was held alongside the Mahabalipuram Chess Olympiad. Anand said his aim will be to maintain continuity and serve the global chess family.

“Following President Arkady Dvorkovich’s decision to suspend his duties and in accordance with the FIDE Charter, I have assumed the responsibility 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, I will focus on ensuring the continuity and continuation of the strong work of the Archchesda family and building the global FIDE vision and today I take it as our collective responsibility to continue the work,” Anand wrote on X. (Credit: Viswanathan Anand X)

WHY DID THE EU SANCTION DVORKOVIC?

The EU’s decision to impose sanctions on Dvorkovich was based on allegations that he used his position at FIDE to advance interests linked to the Russian government. The sanctions document referred to his previous political role, Moscow’s support for his re-election and his alleged involvement in actions that undermine the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

The EU also cited Dvorkovich’s support for Russia’s annexation of Crimea and statements regarding Russian-occupied territories as part of the reasons for the measure. His connection to the Russian Chess Federation board, which includes other sanctioned figures, was also highlighted, along with claims that chess events were organized in regions internationally recognized as part of Ukraine.

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Published on:

Jul 24, 2026 12:19 PM IST