Viswanathan Anand reverses decision, will run as FIDE Deputy President with Timur Turlov

Viswanathan Anand has decided to contest the FIDE elections as Deputy President alongside presidential candidate Timur Turlov, reversing his earlier plan to step back for family reasons. The move follows Arkady Dvorkovich's exit from the race due to EU sanctions.

Anand is serving as FIDE's Interim President and had signalled an intention to withdraw from active campaigning to attend to family matters. That earlier plan has been set aside as he accepts a place on the ticket with Turlov. The change reshapes the leadership lineup for the organisation's forthcoming election.

Anand will appear on the ballot as Deputy President next to Timur Turlov, who is contesting the presidency. The alignment between the two names represents a new slant to the contest after recent developments among candidates. The decision reunites Anand with the front-line of FIDE governance rather than stepping away.

The development came after Arkady Dvorkovich left the contest; his exit was linked to EU sanctions. That departure altered the field of contenders and preceded Anand's reversal of his prior announcement to step back. The sequence of events has prompted a rapid reshuffling among those seeking office.

Anand said he wants to continue helping expand chess and backed Turlov's vision for the organisation. His stated intention frames the reason for re-entering the race and provides explicit support for Turlov's candidacy.

By rejoining the ticket, Anand maintains an active role in FIDE leadership at a pivotal moment for the governing body. The new ticket places him alongside Turlov for the election and keeps him engaged in efforts to develop the sport at the international level.