In brief
FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich has stepped down temporarily after the EU added him to its sanctions list for supporting Ukraine’s annexed Crimea. The move is seen by Ukraine as a major victory and by many in the chess world as a blow to Russian influence. Dvorkovich claims the sanctions are unlawful and the ban will hinder his work at the federation. With Russia’s shadow over the international board, the decision could herald a new era of leadership for the global chess community.
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has been put on notice after its president, Arkady Dvorkovich, found himself on the European Union’s latest sanctions list. The EU cited his public support for Russia’s annexation of Crimea and his description of occupied Ukrainian cities as “new territories” of Russia, adding a travel ban and asset freeze.
Dvorkovich released a statement saying he had "voluntarily suspended the exercise of my powers and duties" but made it clear he had not resigned. He called the sanctions "unlawful and unfair," claiming they would prevent him from running and serving for the federation.
Ukraine welcomed the decision, with the Ukrainian Chess Federation’s first vice‑president, Volodymyr Kovalchuk, declaring that players "who develop sport in the interests of an aggressor state have no place in senior international positions." British representative Malik Pein described the move as an "earthquake and a massive diplomatic victory for Ukraine".
The EU also cited Dvorkovich’s role on the board of the Chess Federation of Russia, an organization that the EU says has held tournaments in occupied Ukrainian areas. Critics allege that the Russian government has carried out a “slow takeover” of FIDE, changing internal rules and pressuring other national officials to vote in favour of Moscow’s interests.
Dvorkovich, who has overseen the federation since 2018, denied the claims, stating that FIDE is based in Switzerland and that its top officials represent a wide range of countries. He described accusations of Russian influence as "false" and contradicted by the federation’s governance structure.
In September 2024, the FIDE general assembly, under Dvorkovich’s leadership, voted to maintain sanctions against Russia and its ally, Belarus. The recent development is prompting speculation about whether the international chess community will experience a new era of leadership following Dvorkovich’s forced hiatus.
