Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand has stepped into one of the sport’s biggest administrative jobs at a remarkably sensitive moment. The five-time world champion is now acting as Interim President of the International Chess Federation, or FIDE, after Arkady Dvorkovich voluntarily suspended his presidential powers following fresh European Union sanctions.
The change was confirmed on July 23, 2026, through an official FIDE statement. Dvorkovich has not formally resigned from the presidency. Instead, he has stopped exercising his powers while the restrictive measures remain in force, leaving Deputy President Anand to run the federation under Article 19.2 of the FIDE Charter.
What Happened At FIDE After The EU Sanctions?
The EU adopted its 21st sanctions package against Russia on July 23, adding 48 individuals and 170 entities to restrictive-measures lists. Soon after his name appeared, Dvorkovich said the decision was “unlawful and unfair” and promised to challenge it. He nevertheless suspended his duties because the sanctions could interfere with FIDE’s operations.
FIDE’s Council ratified that move. Its statement says Dvorkovich cannot exercise the rights, duties or prerogatives of president while the relevant EU and Swiss measures apply. It also says he must not act as an owner, holder or controller of FIDE or its assets.
Key developments now shaping the chess story are:
- Anand has assumed the president’s responsibilities on an interim basis.
- Dvorkovich remains president in title but has suspended his powers.
- The EU package contains 218 new individual and entity listings in total.
- FIDE’s 2026 presidential election is scheduled for September in Samarkand.
- Candidates for president and deputy president must file their joint ticket by July 26.
Anand also confirmed the transition through his official X post, saying his focus would be continuity and serving the global chess family. This is the most relevant official social post to embed in the article.
Why Did The EU Sanction Arkady Dvorkovich?
The sanctions are tied to the EU’s response to Russia’s war against Ukraine, but the case against Dvorkovich is unusually connected to chess administration. According to the official EU sanctions decision published on July 23, Brussels cited both his previous Russian government roles and activities or statements concerning occupied Ukrainian territory.
Dvorkovich served as an assistant to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev from 2008 to 2012 and as Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister from 2012 to 2018. He became FIDE president in 2018 and won another term in 2022.
The EU says Dvorkovich publicly backed the annexation of Crimea and referred to occupied Ukrainian cities as “new territories” of the Russian Federation. It also cited his role on the Board of Trustees of the Chess Federation of Russia. That federation has been linked to tournaments held in Russian-occupied areas including Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.
On that basis, the EU says he supports actions or policies that undermine or threaten Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. Dvorkovich rejects the decision and says he will use available legal routes to challenge it.
Why Is Viswanathan Anand Taking Charge Now?
Anand did not win a separate emergency election. The handover comes directly from FIDE’s governing rules. Article 19.2 of the FIDE Charter says that when a president is temporarily prevented from performing official functions, the deputy president assumes the president’s powers and responsibilities.
That is exactly Anand’s position. He became Deputy President in 2022 after running on Dvorkovich’s ticket. In that 2022 FIDE election, Dvorkovich won 157 votes against 16 for Ukrainian grandmaster Andrii Baryshpolets, while Anand moved into the federation’s second-highest executive role.
His arrival also lands during a strong period for Indian chess. D Gukesh remains the reigning world champion and is due to face Javokhir Sindarov in the 2026 title match, while R Praggnanandhaa climbed to world No. 11 in FIDE’s July classical rankings.
Still, the role is not ceremonial. FIDE runs world championship cycles, ratings, regulations, major events and relations with national federations. Anand now has to keep those functions moving while the federation enters an election period and Dvorkovich contests the sanctions.
What Happens Next For Anand, Dvorkovich And The FIDE Election?
FIDE has already announced that its 2026 Congress will be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 20 to 27. The General Assembly is set for September 26 and 27, when the elections will be completed. The presidential and deputy presidential posts are contested on a joint ticket.
Dvorkovich had been expected to seek another term, but the sanctions and his suspension have sharply changed the political picture around that race. For now, FIDE has only said that Anand will remain Interim President for as long as Dvorkovich is covered by the applicable EU and Swiss restrictive measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is The Interim President Of FIDE Now?
Viswanathan Anand is serving as Interim FIDE President after Arkady Dvorkovich suspended his presidential powers.
Did Arkady Dvorkovich Resign As FIDE President?
No. He suspended powers and duties while remaining subject to current EU and Swiss sanctions.
Why Did The EU Sanction Arkady Dvorkovich?
The EU cited Russia links, Crimea statements, and involvement with chess activities in occupied Ukraine.
How Long Will Viswanathan Anand Remain Interim President?
Anand will serve while Dvorkovich remains subject to restrictive measures under EU and Swiss law.
When Will The Next FIDE Presidential Election Take Place?
FIDE’s presidential election will conclude during its General Assembly in Samarkand on September 26-27, 2026.
