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Viswanathan Anand Becomes FIDE Interim President Amid EU Sanctions

2026-08-22 · Viswanathan Anand · Club News

Viswanathan Anand Becomes FIDE Interim President Amid EU Sanctions

Viswanathan Anand has become the Interim President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) following Arkady Dvorkovich's decision to step aside due to EU sanctions.

Who Will Lead FIDE?

Former World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand will act as the Interim President of FIDE after incumbent Arkady Dvorkovich decided to stand aside because the European Union (EU) included his name in its sanctions list. "This is the first time that an Indian will be the Interim President of the global chess body," FIDE's former vice-president Grandmaster Bachar Kouatly told this correspondent.

Viswanathan Anand's New Role

"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," Anand tweeted. "I want to thank Arkady for his leadership and for putting the interests and stability of FIDE first."

Global Chess League

The Global Chess League, a collaboration between Tech Mahindra and FIDE, returns to Bengaluru from September 5 to 13, featuring six global franchises and chess legends like Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand. With live fan experiences and diverse ticket options, the event promises rapid, thrilling team-based chess action.

Key Takeaways

  • Viswanathan Anand is the Interim President of FIDE, marking the first time an Indian holds this position in the global chess body.
  • Incumbent FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich voluntarily suspended his duties after being included in the EU and Swiss sanctions lists.
  • Anand will serve as Interim President as long as Dvorkovich remains subject to the restrictive measures.
  • The Global Chess League will take place in Bengaluru from September 5 to 13, featuring six global franchises and chess legends like Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand.

Ticket Options

Ticket options cater to diverse fan needs, with Early Bird passes starting at Rs 349, granting access to one match and the Festival Arena. The Rs 2,999 Premium ticket covers all day’s matches, complete with entry to the Festival Arena and Premium Lounge.

Key Takeaways

  • Early Bird passes start at Rs 349, granting access to one match and the Festival Arena.
  • The Rs 2,999 Premium ticket covers all day’s matches, complete with entry to the Festival Arena and Premium Lounge.
OptionPriceAccess
Early BirdRs 349One match, Festival Arena
PremiumRs 2,999All day’s matches, Festival Arena, Premium Lounge

Key Takeaways

  • Viswanathan Anand will participate in the Global Chess League in Bengaluru.
  • The event promises rapid, thrilling team-based chess action.
  • Anand will serve as Interim President of FIDE until Dvorkovich is no longer subject to EU sanctions.

More Viswanathan Anand news →