FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich has voluntarily suspended the exercise of his powers and duties after the European Union included his name in its 21st sanctions list. In his statement, Dvorkovich described the decision as “unlawful and unfair” and said he would challenge it, but added that the sanctions could hinder FIDE’s stable functioning.
FIDE Council has accepted the suspension, and five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand, FIDE Deputy President, will now act as Interim President for as long as Dvorkovich remains subject to the EU and Swiss restrictive measures. FIDE confirmed that Dvorkovich suspended his presidential powers immediately and that Viswanathan Anand will act as Interim President.
The development comes at a sensitive moment for world chess, with FIDE heading toward a presidential election in September and Dvorkovich recently preparing to seek another term. His suspension places Anand at the centre of FIDE’s immediate leadership and raises fresh questions about governance, neutrality, and the impact of global politics on the chess world.
For now, FIDE says its Council and administration will continue working to protect the federation’s events, programs, and international responsibilities while the legal and political fallout unfolds. Chess.com reported that the sanctions and suspension are likely to become central issues in the coming FIDE presidential election.
