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New Delhi, 24 July 2026: India’s veteran chess player and five-time world champion Vishwanathan Anand has been appointed as the interim president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE). This decision has been taken due to the inclusion of Russian chess leader Arkady Dvorkovich in the latest sanctions list of the European Union (EU).

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EU and its allies have imposed several economic and political sanctions against Russia. The EU has now issued its 21st package of sanctions, adding a total of 218 new names, covering 48 individuals and 170 entities. This is considered to be the largest sanctions list since the war began. Under these sanctions, the assets of the individuals involved may be frozen, financial aid or other resources may be restricted, and travel bans may also be imposed. Following his inclusion in the sanctions list, Arkady Dvorkovich said that he considered the decision illegal and wrong. He said that he will challenge this decision legally and is confident that he will ultimately get justice.

However, he also acknowledged that sanctions against him could disrupt FIDE’s work unless the matter is resolved legally. Therefore, he has decided to voluntarily suspend all his powers and responsibilities as FIDE President with immediate effect. He said that he would not serve as President as long as sanctions under EU and Swiss rules remained in place. According to FIDE rules, in such a situation, the Vice President would assume the responsibilities of the President. Under this provision, Viswanathan Anand has been appointed as the interim president. He will now lead FIDE until the sanctions against Dvorkovich are lifted or the situation changes.

• FIDE Council also approved Dvorkovich’s decision

The FIDE Council has also approved Dvorkovich’s decision. The organization said in a statement that Dvorkovich will not exercise any powers, responsibilities or privileges to serve as FIDE president while the sanctions remain in place. He will have no control over the organization or its assets. Viswanathan Anand is considered one of the most successful chess players in the world. He reinvented chess in India and inspired many young players to take up this game. He has been serving as the Vice President of FIDE since 2022 and has now been appointed as the interim President.

Interestingly, just last month, Dvorkovich had expressed his desire to run for a third consecutive term in the FIDE presidential election in September. Meanwhile, Viswanathan Anand has clarified that he will not contest the presidential election but will instead contest for the post of Vice-President. The election for the presidency of FIDE will be held at the General Assembly to be held during the 46th Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan in September. Kazakhstan Chess Federation President Timur Turlov is also a candidate for the presidential election. As a result, important decisions regarding the leadership of FIDE may be taken in the coming months.