Five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand assumed charge as Interim President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) on Friday, 25 July 2025, after incumbent president Arkady Dvorkovich voluntarily suspended his powers following the European Union's 21st sanctions package that named him. Anand, who serves as FIDE Deputy President, confirmed the transition and said the organisation's work would continue uninterrupted.

How the Transition Unfolded

Dvorkovich's inclusion in the EU's latest sanctions list prompted him to step back from his presidential duties with immediate effect, for as long as he remains subject to restrictive measures under both EU and Swiss laws. The move triggered the succession clause in Article 19.2 of the FIDE Charter, which designates the Deputy President as interim head in such circumstances.

Anand's assumption of the role is therefore automatic under FIDE's own governance framework — not a contested appointment — lending the transition a degree of institutional stability at a moment of external pressure.

What Anand Said

'Following the decision by President Arkady Dvorkovich to suspend the exercise of his duties, and in accordance with the FIDE Charter, I have assumed the responsibilities of Interim President. I want to thank Arkady for his leadership and for putting the interests and stability of FIDE first,' Anand said in his statement.

He added: 'Together with the FIDE Council, the administration and our member federations, my focus will be on ensuring continuity and serving the global chess family. FIDE's work continues. Arkady has built a strong team and vision and I today take it as our collective responsibility to carry the work forward. Gens Una Sumus.'

Indian Chess Community Responds

All India Chess Federation (AICF) president Nitin Narang congratulated Anand on the appointment, calling him a figure who had 'earned the respect of the global chess community through his integrity, wisdom and lifelong service to our sport.'

In a post on X, Narang expressed confidence that under Anand's stewardship, FIDE would 'continue to uphold stability, good governance and its commitment to players and federations across the world.' He also acknowledged Dvorkovich's decision to 'place the interests and continuity of FIDE first at a difficult moment.' The AICF said it looks forward to working closely with Anand and the broader FIDE leadership.

Why This Matters for Global Chess

Anand is among the most decorated figures in chess history, having held the world championship title five times. His elevation — even in an interim capacity — carries symbolic weight: it places an active chess legend at the head of the sport's governing body at a moment when geopolitical pressures are testing FIDE's neutrality and operational continuity.

This is not the first time FIDE has faced governance turbulence linked to its leadership's political exposure. The federation has historically prided itself on operating above geopolitical fault lines, a position that becomes harder to maintain when sanctions directly touch its president. Anand's appointment offers a credible bridge while the longer-term question of Dvorkovich's status remains unresolved.

What Happens Next

Anand will serve as Interim President for as long as Dvorkovich remains subject to EU and Swiss sanctions. No timeline has been indicated for a review of those measures. The FIDE Council and member federations are expected to continue normal operations under Anand's leadership in the interim period.