Chess Federation Chief Suspends Powers After EU Sanctions

EU sanctions on 23 July 2026 led Fide president Arkady Dvorkovich to "voluntarily suspend" his powers and duties. He told the BBC he has not resigned. Dvorkovich, planning a September re-election bid, called the sanctions "unlawful and unfair," leaving Fide — chess's global governing body — with a leadership vacuum and an unclear electoral path.