Logan, July 24: Indian chess legend and five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand has been appointed as the interim president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE). This decision comes in light of the European Union’s (EU) recent sanctions against Russian chief Arkady Dvorkovich.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EU and its allied nations have imposed numerous economic and political sanctions against Russia. The EU has now issued its 21st package of sanctions, adding a total of 218 new names, including 48 individuals and 170 entities. This is considered the largest sanctions list since the war began.
Under these sanctions, the assets of the affected individuals may be frozen, and they may be prohibited from receiving financial aid or other resources. Additionally, travel restrictions may also apply. After being named in the sanctions list, Arkady Dvorkovich stated that he views this decision as unlawful and incorrect. He expressed his intention to challenge the decision legally, confident that he would ultimately receive justice.
However, he acknowledged that until the matter is legally resolved, the sanctions against him could hinder FIDE’s operations. Consequently, he has voluntarily decided to suspend all his powers and responsibilities as FIDE president with immediate effect. He stated that he would not perform his duties as president while the sanctions from the EU and Switzerland remain in place.
According to FIDE’s regulations, in such situations, the deputy president assumes the responsibilities of the president. Under this provision, Viswanathan Anand has been appointed as the interim president. He will lead FIDE until the sanctions against Dvorkovich are lifted or the situation changes.
The FIDE Council has also approved Dvorkovich’s decision. The organization stated that as long as the sanctions remain in effect, Dvorkovich will not exercise any rights, responsibilities, or privileges associated with the presidency. He will also not retain any control over the organization or its assets.
Viswanathan Anand is regarded as one of the most successful chess players globally. He has brought new recognition to chess in India and inspired many young players to take up the game. Anand has been FIDE’s vice president since 2022 and is now entrusted with the role of interim president.
Interestingly, just last month, Dvorkovich expressed his desire to run for a third consecutive term in the upcoming FIDE presidential elections scheduled for September. Meanwhile, Anand has clarified that he will not contest for the presidency but will run for the vice presidency instead.
The FIDE presidential elections will take place during the General Assembly at the 46th Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan in September. Timur Turlov, president of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, is also a candidate for the presidency. Thus, significant decisions regarding FIDE’s leadership may be on the horizon in the coming months.
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