Head of World Chess Steps Aside After EU Punitive Measures

On 23 July 2026, the European Union imposed sanctions — official penalties restricting a person's access to funds and travel. In response, Arkady Dvorkovich, president of Fide (the group that governs world chess), said he would "voluntarily suspend" his duties. He told the BBC he has not resigned. He had planned to seek re-election in September.