Viswanathan Anand becomes interim FIDE president

On 24th July 2026, Viswanathan Anand assumed the role of Interim President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) after FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich suspended the exercise of his duties following European Union sanctions.

Anand, a five-time World Chess Champion, has been serving as FIDE Deputy President since 2022 and will ensure continuity in the federation's functioning until further arrangements are made.
Arkady Dvorkovich, who has served as FIDE President since 2018, stepped aside after being included in the European Union's sanctions list over his alleged links with the Russian government amid the Russia–Ukraine conflict.