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Dvorkovich suspended by EU
Arkady Dvorkovich, Russia’s former deputy prime minister and president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), suspended his duties Thursday evening after the European Union sanctioned him.
“FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich has announced that he is stepping aside from his position, he told in a statement to the organization, APA reports”
The EU accused Dvorkovich of “supporting actions or policies which undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine,” and Dvorkovich pushed back by saying he considers the decision “unlawful and unfair.”
Politico reported that FIDE Deputy President Viswanathan Anand would take over his duties, after Dvorkovich said the decision would remain in effect for as long as he is subject to EU and Swiss sanctions.
Dvorkovich became FIDE’s president in 2018, and the Russian president appointed him as deputy prime minister from 2012 to 2018, drawing criticism over his closeness to Vladimir Putin’s regime.
Anand takes interim helm
FIDE’s leadership shift was framed as temporary, with Viswanathan Anand, the FIDE deputy president and 15th World Chess Champion, assuming the president’s duties as Dvorkovich stepped aside after the EU decision.
Ukrainian outlet Українська правда quoted Dvorkovich saying, “Today, the EU decision to include my name in the 21st sanctions list was published,” and it also quoted his view that the sanctions could “hinder the stable functioning of FIDE.”
The Indian Express reported that Dvorkovich, in written comments, argued “The only reason for sanctions is to prevent me from running and serving for FIDE,” and it said the EU’s 21st sanctions package imposed measures against 170 entities and 48 individuals.
Politico also reported that under Dvorkovich’s leadership, FIDE’s Ethics and Disciplinary Commission largely overturned a 2024 ruling that had temporarily suspended the Chess Federation of Russia and reprimanded Dvorkovich for “improper association.”
Sanctions reshape FIDE
The EU’s 21st sanctions package, adopted in response to Russia’s continuing invasion of Ukraine, added 48 individuals and 170 entities to its sanctions list, with measures including asset freezes, travel bans, and prohibitions on making funds or economic resources available.
“The European Union has adopted its 21st package of sanctions against Russia in response to the country's continuing invasion of Ukraine”
Chess News said the package also expanded restrictions on Russian banks and certain crypto-asset service providers, and it described transaction bans affecting numerous institutions and exclusions from the SWIFT payment system.
In the FIDE governance context, Dvorkovich’s suspension was tied to his statement that until a formal court decision is rendered and/or such decision is cancelled or amended, the sanctions could hinder FIDE’s stable functioning, prompting him to “voluntarily suspend the exercise of my powers and duties as FIDE President.”
The same report said Anand would serve as acting FIDE president at least until the election of a new Presidential Board in September on the sidelines of the Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan, while Dvorkovich was described as standing for re-election and other declared candidates were named as Henric Büttner and Vadim Rosenstein.
