Arkady Dvorkovich Suspends FIDE Presidency After EU Sanctions

The European Union added Russian chess official Arkady Dvorkovich to its 21st sanctions package, citing his former senior roles in the Russian government and his support for actions that undermine Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The measures include asset freezes, travel bans and prohibitions on transactions.

In response, Dvorkovich voluntarily suspended the exercise of his powers as president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), saying the restrictions could impede the federation’s operations and describing the sanctions as “illegal and unfair.” He announced he would challenge the decision in court.

Per Article 19.2 of the FIDE Charter, Deputy President Viswanathan Anand of India assumed the role of interim president, a move ratified by the FIDE Council to ensure continuity. The federation plans a presidential election at its General Assembly during the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in September. Other Russian officials, including sport minister Mikhail Degtyarev, were also placed on the EU list.