Dvorkovich’s Suspension and Anand’s Interim Role
Arkady Dvorkovich, president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), has voluntarily suspended his duties after being included in the European Union’s latest sanctions list. This decision means that Viswanathan Anand, the FIDE Deputy President and a former world champion, will assume the role of interim president. Dvorkovich stated that he views the sanctions as “unlawful and unfair” and intends to challenge them through legal avenues.
Dvorkovich, who was re-elected as FIDE President in 2022, indicated that his temporary suspension is to ensure the continued stable functioning of FIDE. He expressed confidence that the FIDE Council and administration will manage challenges and safeguard the federation’s ongoing work, events, and social programs. The FIDE Council has accepted and ratified Dvorkovich’s decision, confirming that he will not exercise presidential powers or control over FIDE or its assets while the sanctions are in effect.
Under Article 19.2 of the FIDE Charter, Anand Viswanathan will serve as Interim President for as long as Dvorkovich is subject to the restrictive measures imposed by Swiss and EU laws and regulations. The All India Chess Federation (AICF) President, Nitin Narang, welcomed Anand’s new role, highlighting his integrity, wisdom, and service to the sport, and expressed confidence in his leadership to maintain stability and good governance within FIDE.
Impact of Sanctions and Future of FIDE
The EU’s decision to include Dvorkovich on its 21st sanctions list is linked to Russia’s actions, with the EU citing his public support for the annexation of Crimea and his reference to occupied Ukrainian cities as “new territories” of the Russian Federation. These sanctions include a travel ban and asset freeze. Ukraine has described this development as a significant victory, with Volodymyr Kovalchuk, first vice president of the Ukrainian Chess Federation, stating that individuals who advance the interests of an aggressor state should not hold senior international positions.
Malcolm Pein, England’s representative to FIDE, characterized the move as a major diplomatic success for Ukraine, suggesting it could reduce Russia’s influence in the global chess community. Russia has historically been a dominant force in chess, using it as a tool of soft power. Following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russian national teams were banned from international chess competitions. Despite this, Ukraine and its allies have argued that Russian influence within FIDE intensified under Dvorkovich’s leadership, an accusation Moscow denies.
Dvorkovich, a former deputy prime minister of Russia and adviser to the Kremlin, had planned to seek re-election as FIDE head in September. However, his future in the role is now uncertain. Accusations of Russian influence within FIDE have been disputed by Dvorkovich, who stated that such claims are false and contradicted by FIDE’s governance structure, which includes top executives from various countries such as India, Norway, Latvia, the US, Italy, and France.
Despite the leadership change, FIDE has confirmed that its activities, tournaments, and social programs will continue without interruption. The FIDE presidential election at the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand is expected to proceed as scheduled. India has also announced its squads for the Chess Olympiad, which will take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 17 to 27.
Source: bbc.com
Priya Nair
Sports Reporter
