EU sanctions lead to FIDE president’s suspension, Viswanathan Anand named interim president
Arkady Dvorkovich, the president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), announced on Friday his decision to suspend his activities with the organisation. This move follows his inclusion on the European Union’s list of sanctioned Russian individuals. Dvorkovich, a former Russian deputy prime minister, expressed his belief that the designation was “unlawful and unfair” and stated his intention to challenge the decision through all available legal avenues.
In light of the sanctions, Viswanathan Anand, a renowned Indian world chess champion and FIDE Deputy President since 2022, will assume the role of interim president. This transition is in accordance with the FIDE Charter, which stipulates that the duties of the president are to be taken over by the deputy president if the incumbent is subject to restrictive measures under EU and Swiss laws and regulations.
Dvorkovich’s Suspension and EU Sanctions
Dvorkovich’s decision to voluntarily suspend his powers and duties as FIDE President was made to prevent the sanctions from hindering the stable functioning of the organisation. He emphasised his confidence in the FIDE Council and administration to navigate these challenges and ensure the continuous operation of FIDE, its events, and social programmes. The FIDE Council has accepted and ratified Dvorkovich’s decision, confirming that he will not exercise the responsibilities, duties, rights, and prerogatives of the presidency as long as the sanctions remain in force.
The EU’s decision to include Dvorkovich on its sanctions list is part of its largest sanctions package against Russia in four years. This comprehensive package targets 218 individuals and entities. The measures aim to impact various sectors, including financial institutions, energy, and military-industrial complexes. The EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, highlighted that the sanctions affect more than 100 banks and cryptocurrency operators, over 40 vessels from Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, and several oil refineries.
Broader Impact of EU Measures
The new sanctions package also includes more than 50 military-industrial entities, particularly those involved in producing Russia’s long-range drones. The Russian oil price cap has been frozen at $44.10 per barrel for 12 months, preventing an automatic increase that would have raised it to approximately $58.50. These new listings bring the total number of designations to nearly 3,000.
Financial institutions are significantly impacted, with a full asset-freeze imposed on 94 Russian financial institutions, predominantly banks. Additionally, 33 Russian banks have been disconnected from the Swift international payments system. Moscow’s stock exchange has also been added to the sanctions list. The measures extend internationally, affecting banks and cryptocurrency platforms in various countries, including Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, India, Georgia, Panama, the Marshall Islands, Belarus, the United Arab Emirates, and countries across Africa.
The sanctions package also targets entities linked to Russia’s satellite communications system, which is being developed as an alternative to Starlink. 56 entities and persons have been added to the sanctions list due to their involvement in Russia’s military industrial complex, with many connected to long-range Garpiya drones. Furthermore, 51 entities have been added to a list of companies facing export restrictions on dual-use goods and technology. Some of these companies are located in third countries, including China (including Hong Kong), India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and the UAE.
Dvorkovich, who was the 15th World Champion, will not act in the capacity of “détenteur de contrôle” (“owner, holder or controller”) of FIDE or its assets while the restrictive measures are in force.
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Source: theguardian.com
