Arkady Dvorkovich steps aside as FIDE president after EU sanctions
Dvorkovich’s decision and EU sanctions
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. The EU announced new sanctions related to the conflict in Ukraine, which include a travel ban and asset freeze for Dvorkovich. He described the decision as “unlawful and unfair” and stated his intention to challenge it through legal means.
Dvorkovich, a former deputy prime minister of Russia and adviser to the Kremlin, said that remaining in his role while under sanctions could impede the stable functioning of FIDE. His decision to step aside is effective immediately and will last as long as he remains subject to EU and Swiss laws and regulations.
The EU’s inclusion of Dvorkovich on the sanctions list is attributed to his “publicly supporting the annexation of Crimea and calling occupied Ukrainian cities ‘new territories’ of the Russian Federation.” Ukraine has welcomed this development, 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.
Interim leadership and FIDE’s continuity
In accordance with the FIDE Charter, Viswanathan Anand, the Deputy President of FIDE and a former world champion, will assume the role of Interim President. The FIDE Council has accepted and ratified Dvorkovich’s decision, confirming that he will not exercise any presidential powers or control over FIDE or its assets while the sanctions are in effect.
Dvorkovich expressed confidence in the FIDE Council and administration to navigate the challenges and ensure the continued operation of FIDE, its events, and social programs. FIDE has affirmed that its activities, tournaments, and social programs will proceed without interruption despite the change in leadership.
The All India Chess Federation (AICF) President Nitin Narang welcomed Anand’s new role, highlighting his integrity and wisdom within the global chess community. Narang expressed confidence that FIDE would maintain stability and good governance under Anand’s stewardship.
Impact on international chess
Dvorkovich was first elected as FIDE President in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. His tenure has been described as one of the most turbulent periods in the game’s history. Following the full-scale conflict in Ukraine, Russian national teams were banned from international chess competitions.
Despite this, Ukraine and its allies have suggested that Russian influence within FIDE intensified under Dvorkovich’s leadership. Moscow has faced accusations of attempting a “slow takeover” of the federation, including efforts to change internal rules and pressure officials from other nations to vote in Russia’s favour, allegations Moscow denies.
Malcolm Pein, England’s representative to FIDE, characterized the EU’s action as “an earthquake and a massive diplomatic victory for Ukraine.” He suggested that it could significantly diminish Russia’s influence in the chess world, a domain where Russia has historically held dominance and used it as a tool of soft power.
Dvorkovich had planned to seek re-election as FIDE head in September. However, his future is now uncertain following the sanctions. The FIDE presidential election at the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand is scheduled to proceed as planned.
Dvorkovich disputed claims of Russian influence, stating that FIDE is based in Switzerland and its top executives include individuals from various countries, including India, Norway, Latvia, the US, Italy, and France. He maintained that accusations of “Russian influence” are false and contradicted by FIDE’s governance structure.
The EU’s 21st sanctions package targets 170 entities and 48 individuals. The Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, is scheduled to take place from September 17 to 27.
Source: bbc.com
