Norwegian chess grandmaster and five-time World Champion
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has upheld Ukraine’s complaint that Russia’s chess federation controlled chess in Ukrainian regions seized since 2022. FIDE has suspended Russia’s membership with immediate effect; Russian adults compete under FIDE’s flag, while juniors may play under a neutral flag. The decision follows CAS rulings and continues amid ongoing tensions in the chess world.
The EU has sanctioned Arkady Dvorkovich, the president of FIDE, for alleged support of policies undermining Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Dvorkovich has suspended his official duties while contesting the designation. Viswanathan Anand will lead FIDE in the interim as sanctions continue to bar him from EU and Swiss lists.