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Statement by FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich:
FIDE News: Thursday Jul 23, 2026
Today, the EU decision to include my name in the 21st sanctions list was published. I want to state unequivocally that I consider this decision unlawful and unfair, and this decision will be immediately challenged by all possible means. I am confident that justice will prevail.
However, given that until a formal court decision is rendered and/or such decision is cancelled or amended, these sanctions could hinder the stable functioning of FIDE, I have decided to voluntarily suspend the exercise of my powers and duties as FIDE President with immediate effect and for as long as I remain subject to sanctions under the EU and Swiss laws and regulations. In accordance with the FIDE Charter, the duties of the President will be assumed by the FIDE Deputy President, the 15th World Champion, Viswanathan Anand.
I would like to emphasize that I believe in the FIDE Council and I am confident that the FIDE Council and administration will overcome all challenges and do the utmost to safeguard the continuous work of FIDE, its events and social programs.
Taking into account the statement above, the FIDE Council has decided the following:
The FIDE Council accepts and ratifies the decision of Mr. Arkady Dvorkovich to suspend the exercise of his rights, duties and prerogatives as President of the FIDE. Accordingly, Mr. Dvorkovich will not exercise the responsibilities, duties, rights and prerogatives provided by the FIDE Charter, particularly article 18 of the FIDE Charter, and other regulations as long as the measures provided by the “Ordonnance instituant des mesures en lien avec la situation en Ukraine” and the EU Regulations No 269/2014, are in force. Specifically, Mr. Dvorkovich shall not act in the capacity of “détenteur de contrôle” (“owner, holder or controller”) of FIDE or its assets.
In accordance with article 19.2 of the FIDE Charter, Mr. Anand Viswanathan, Deputy President of FIDE, shall act as Interim President as long as Mr. Dvorkovich is subject to the restrictive measures provided by the Swiss and EU laws and regulations in force.
FIDE News: Thursday Jul 23, 2026
Today, the EU decision to include my name in the 21st sanctions list was published. I want to state unequivocally that I consider this decision unlawful and unfair, and this decision will be immediately challenged by all possible means. I am confident that justice will prevail.
However, given that until a formal court decision is rendered and/or such decision is cancelled or amended, these sanctions could hinder the stable functioning of FIDE, I have decided to voluntarily suspend the exercise of my powers and duties as FIDE President with immediate effect and for as long as I remain subject to sanctions under the EU and Swiss laws and regulations. In accordance with the FIDE Charter, the duties of the President will be assumed by the FIDE Deputy President, the 15th World Champion, Viswanathan Anand.
I would like to emphasize that I believe in the FIDE Council and I am confident that the FIDE Council and administration will overcome all challenges and do the utmost to safeguard the continuous work of FIDE, its events and social programs.
Taking into account the statement above, the FIDE Council has decided the following:
The FIDE Council accepts and ratifies the decision of Mr. Arkady Dvorkovich to suspend the exercise of his rights, duties and prerogatives as President of the FIDE. Accordingly, Mr. Dvorkovich will not exercise the responsibilities, duties, rights and prerogatives provided by the FIDE Charter, particularly article 18 of the FIDE Charter, and other regulations as long as the measures provided by the “Ordonnance instituant des mesures en lien avec la situation en Ukraine” and the EU Regulations No 269/2014, are in force. Specifically, Mr. Dvorkovich shall not act in the capacity of “détenteur de contrôle” (“owner, holder or controller”) of FIDE or its assets.
In accordance with article 19.2 of the FIDE Charter, Mr. Anand Viswanathan, Deputy President of FIDE, shall act as Interim President as long as Mr. Dvorkovich is subject to the restrictive measures provided by the Swiss and EU laws and regulations in force.
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