Viswanathan Anand has taken over as Interim President of FIDE. The move follows Arkady Dvorkovich’s decision to suspend his duties as FIDE President after the European Union placed him on its 21st sanctions list tied to the Russia-Ukraine war.
Anand confirmed the transition on X:
“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.”
He thanked Dvorkovich for his leadership and for “putting the interests and stability of FIDE first.”
Anand said his focus, working with the FIDE Council, administration, and member federations, will be on continuity and serving the global chess community.
Under Article 19.2 of the FIDE Charter, Anand, who has served as Deputy President since 2022, steps in as Interim President for as long as Dvorkovich remains sanctioned. The FIDE Council has accepted and ratified Dvorkovich’s decision.
To understand what happened, read: Arkady Dvorkovich and the EU Sanctions Storm: What the FIDE President’s Blacklisting Really Means.
Photo Credit: Tata Steel Chess
