Arkady Dvorkovich, former Russian Deputy Prime Minister and President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), temporarily suspended his duties on Thursday evening after the European Union imposed sanctions against him.
In its latest sanctions package, the EU stated that Dvorkovich “supports actions or policies that undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine”. The FIDE President disagreed with the sanctions, asserting “unequivocally” that he considers the decision “illegal and unfair”. He added: “I am confident that justice will prevail”.
Dvorkovich announced that he will not carry out his duties while the EU and Swiss sanctions against him remain in effect.
Dvorkovich’s Career and Changes in FIDE
Dvorkovich became the head of FIDE in 2018, a move that drew criticism due to his ties to the regime of Vladimir Putin. He served as Deputy Prime Minister of Russia from 2012 to 2018.
FIDE Vice President Viswanathan Anand, a former world champion, will temporarily assume Dvorkovich’s responsibilities. In 2022, Anand told AFP that Dvorkovich “clearly demonstrated his independence from the influence of the Kremlin”.
During Dvorkovich’s presidency, the FIDE Ethics and Discipline Commission reviewed the 2024 decision to temporarily suspend the Russian Chess Federation. At the same time, a reprimand against Dvorkovich, previously issued for “improper association” with an organization or person whose activities contradicted the goals or interests of FIDE, was rescinded.
Source: Politico
