Viswanathan Anand named interim FIDE president after EU sanctions on Arkady Dvorkovich
Viswanathan Anand has been appointed interim president of FIDE after the European Union imposed sanctions on Arkady Dvorkovich. The development was reported on July 24, 2026.
The European Union’s action against Arkady Dvorkovich precipitated a change in leadership at FIDE, resulting in Anand stepping into the interim role. Details released on July 24, 2026 confirm the transition in stewardship of the organisation. The decision places Anand in charge on a temporary basis while the situation surrounding Dvorkovich is addressed.
Viswanathan Anand will assume the responsibilities of FIDE’s presidency in an interim capacity following the sanctioning of Arkady Dvorkovich by the European Union. The announcement makes clear that the move is directly linked to the EU measures affecting Dvorkovich. Anand’s appointment is presented as a provisional arrangement.
Arkady Dvorkovich is the subject of the European Union sanctions that led to this leadership change at FIDE. The timing of the sanctions and the appointment coincides with the July 24, 2026 notice of the change. The sequence of events resulted in Anand being installed as the interim head of the federation.
The interim designation indicates that Anand will carry out presidential duties until the matter involving Dvorkovich is resolved through the appropriate channels. The notation of the appointment on July 24, 2026 serves as the formal record of the transfer of authority. This arrangement leaves the permanent status of the presidency contingent on subsequent developments.
The transition was framed as a direct response to the European Union’s sanctions on Arkady Dvorkovich, with Viswanathan Anand taking up the interim presidency of FIDE. Official communications dated July 24, 2026 document the change in leadership.
The immediate implication is a temporary shift in FIDE’s leadership, with Anand filling the presidential role while the consequences of the EU sanctions on Dvorkovich are addressed. The situation remains provisional pending any further announcements.
