New Delhi: Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand has taken over as Interim President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) after President Arkady Dvorkovich voluntarily suspended the exercise of his powers following sanctions imposed by the EU.
In a statement, Dvorkovich announced that he was stepping aside with immediate effect to ensure the smooth functioning of FIDE while he remains subject to sanctions under EU and Swiss laws. Under the FIDE Charter, Anand, the federation’s Deputy President and the 15th World Chess Champion, will discharge the responsibilities of the president during this period.
Dvorkovich described the sanctions as “unlawful and unfair” and said he would challenge the decision through all available legal means. He said he was confident that justice would prevail.
He further said the decision to suspend his powers was voluntary and intended to prevent any disruption to FIDE’s governance, tournaments and social programmes.
The FIDE Council accepted and ratified Dvorkovich’s decision, confirming that he will not exercise any presidential powers, duties or prerogatives while the restrictive measures under EU and Swiss regulations remain in force.
The Council also said Dvorkovich would not act as the owner, holder or controller of FIDE or its assets during the period of the sanctions.
Anand will continue as Interim President until the sanctions against Dvorkovich are lifted or the relevant legal restrictions cease to apply, in accordance with the FIDE Charter.
