NEW DELHI: International Chess Federation (FIDE) president Arkady Dvorkovich has stepped down from his role after being included in the latest European Union sanctions list linked to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The decision means FIDE Vice President and former world champion Viswanathan Anand he will serve as interim president until the sanctions are lifted or overturned.In a statement released by FIDE, Dvorkovich described the sanctions as unfair and confirmed that he will challenge them through legal channels. However, he said that his decision to suspend temporarily was taken to ensure the proper functioning of the global governing body.“Today, the decision of the EU to include my name in the 21st sanctions list was published. I want to state unequivocally that I consider this decision illegal and unfair, and this decision will be immediately challenged by all possible means. I am convinced that justice will prevail,” says the FIDE statement.He added that staying in office while under sanctions could affect the day-to-day operations of FIDE.“However, given that, until a formal court decision is rendered and/or such a decision is annulled or modified, these sanctions could hinder the stable operation of FIDE, I have decided to voluntarily suspend the exercise of my powers and duties as FIDE President with immediate effect and until I remain subject to sanctions under the laws and regulations of the EU and Switzerland.”Under Article 19.2 of the FIDE Charter, Anand will now assume the role of interim president. The FIDE Council formally accepted Dvorkovich’s decision and confirmed that he will not exercise presidential power or control over the federation or its assets while the sanctions remain in place.
AICF welcomes Anand’s new role
The move was welcomed by All India Chess Federation (AICF) president Nitin Narang, who expressed confidence in Anand’s leadership.“As FIDE enters an interim phase of leadership, I extend my best wishes to Vice President Viswanathan Anand as he assumes the responsibilities of interim president,” he wrote on X.“Vishy sir has earned the respect of the global chess community through his integrity, wisdom and lifelong service to our sport. I am confident that under his leadership, FIDE will continue to uphold stability, good governance and its commitment to players and federations around the world.”The 21st EU sanctions package targets 170 entities and 48 individuals with measures that include possible asset freezes and travel bans. Despite the change in leadership, FIDE said its activities, tournaments and social programs will continue without interruption.
India Chess Olympiad teams announced
Meanwhile, India has also announced its teams for the FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, which will be held from September 17 to 27. Defending champions India will be led by reigning world champion D Gukesh, alongside R Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Nihal Sarin and Vidit Gujrathi in the open section, while Koneru Humpy leads the women’s team with R Vaishali, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal and Savitha Shri B.