The International Chess Federation (Fide) is in disarray after its president, Arkady Dvorkovich, was forced to step aside following his inclusion on the European Union's latest sanctions list. Dvorkovich, a former Russian deputy prime minister and long-time Kremlin adviser, now faces a travel ban and asset freeze across the EU.
The sanctions were imposed due to his public support for the annexation of Crimea and his rhetoric labeling occupied Ukrainian cities as 'new territories' of the Russian Federation.
While Dvorkovich has attempted to frame the sanctions as 'unlawful' and an attempt to block his political ambitions, the move marks a significant blow to Moscow’s long-standing effort to use the sport of chess as a tool of soft power.
Critics, including the Ukrainian Chess Federation, have long accused Dvorkovich of overseeing a 'slow takeover' of Fide to promote Kremlin interests. Despite his claims that Fide remains independent, the organization has been mired in controversy, including failed attempts to re-admit Russian teams to international competition.
With Dvorkovich now sidelined, the future of his leadership remains uncertain, potentially signaling the end of Russia's decades-long dominance over the global chess governing body.
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