FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich Resigns

The President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), Arkady Dvorkovich, has announced his temporary resignation due to the sanctions imposed on him by the European Union (EU).

Sport.Biz reports that Viswanathan Anand will serve as the interim head of the organization.

“Today, the decision of the European Union to include my name in the 21st sanctions list was published. I want to declare that I consider this decision to be unlawful and unfair, and I will immediately appeal against it in every possible way. I am confident that justice will prevail.

However, taking into account that these sanctions may hinder the stable functioning of FIDE until an official court decision is made, and/or the decision is revoked or changed, I have decided to suspend my powers and duties as FIDE President for the duration of these sanctions, in accordance with EU and Swiss laws and regulations. In accordance with the FIDE Charter, the 15th World Champion, FIDE Vice-President Viswanathan Anand will serve as the President.

I want to emphasize that I trust the FIDE Council and I am confident that the Council and the FIDE Administration will overcome all the difficulties and do their best to ensure the continued activity of FIDE, its events, and social programs”, - Dvorkovich stated in a statement published on the FIDE website.