India’s five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand was named the interim FIDE President on Friday.
FIDE is the global governing body of chess, which oversees all aspects of the board across the globe.
Anand was elevated to the apex position after the current president, Arkady Dvorkovich, decided to “voluntarily” step down from his post after he was named in the European Union’s (EU) 21st sanctions list.
“Today, the EU decision to include my name in the 21st sanctions list was published,” Dvorkovich said in a statement. “
“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,” he added.
In accordance to article 19.2 of the FIDE charter, Viswanathan Anand, who was so far serving as the Deputy President of FIDE has been promoted to the position of interim FIDE President.
This is now an uncharted territory for Anand, the 15th world chess champion. He had earlier announced that he won’t be running for the position he held, FIDE Deputy President, in the upcoming 2026 FIDE elections.
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