Anand Appointed FIDE Interim President After EU Sanctions on Dvorkovich

Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand has been appointed as the interim president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) following the European Union's sanctions against current president Arkady Dvorkovich, the organisation announced on Friday.

Dvorkovich, a Russian national, was included in the EU's 21st sanctions package, which imposes restrictive measures against Russia for its ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. The sanctions forced him to step back from his role, leading to Anand's temporary appointment.

Dvorkovich, 54, served as Deputy Prime Minister of Russia from 2012 to 2018. He has been FIDE president since 2018, when he defeated Georgios Makropoulos in the presidential election.

Anand, who teamed up with Dvorkovich in 2022, played a crucial role in helping the Russian secure re-election as FIDE president. In return, Anand was appointed deputy FIDE president, defeating Andrii Baryshpolets and Peter Heine Nielsen in the 2022 FIDE Congress in Chennai, held alongside the Mahabalipuram Chess Olympiad.

Anand, 54, will hold the interim position until a new election or the sanctions are resolved. His extensive experience in chess administration and his status as a former world champion are expected to provide stability during this transition.