SAMARKAND, UZBEKISTAN – September 24, 2026
The African Chess Confederation (ACC) has formally endorsed Timur Turlov and Viswanathan Anand ahead of the FIDE Presidential Election scheduled for September 26 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. FIDE has confirmed Turlov-Anand as one of three presidential tickets contesting the election.
In a statement signed by ACC President Benard Wanjala, the Confederation said it reviewed the candidates’ programmes and invited all three presidential candidates to present their plans to African federation presidents and delegates.
According to the ACC, Turlov and Jan Henric Buettner participated in the engagement, while the Confederation was unable to hear from Wadim Rosenstein.
The ACC said Turlov’s proposals, particularly his planned FIDE Development Fund, aligned with priorities it has identified for African chess. These include increased development funding, stronger national federations, greater opportunities to host major events, elite junior development, stronger prize funds and more opportunities for African players and arbiters.
The Confederation also pointed to Turlov’s involvement in chess development before the current election campaign and said this formed part of its assessment.
Despite the endorsement, the ACC stressed that each African federation and delegate remains responsible for making an independent decision on how to vote.
The endorsement comes two days before the FIDE Presidential Election. Benard Wanjala was elected ACC President in July following a 25-24 vote over Tshepiso Lopang.
