Sanctions threat grows against chess federation president as EU decision nears
Arkady Dvorkovich and Viswanathan Anand (Photo: twitter.com/FIDE_chess)
The president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), Arkady Dvorkovich, who is a Russian citizen, could face EU sanctions. He is currently included in the draft of the 20th sanctions package, states the presidential commissioner for sanctions policy, Vladyslav Vlasiuk.
“Dvorkovich has been under our sanctions since yesterday… For those who don’t know, he is the president of the Chess Federation. At the same time, at least for now, he is in the draft of the European Union’s 20th sanctions package,” Vlasyuk said.
He added that if Hungary does not show too much activism or principle, Dvorkovich will remain in the sanctions draft.
The presidential commissioner also noted that Ukraine regularly shares its carefully prepared sanctions lists with partner countries to coordinate restrictions at the international level.
On February 16, Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree imposing sanctions on ten Russian athletes who support the war and use sports to further it. Among those targeted was Arkady Dvorkovich, president of FIDE.
On December 14, the FIDE General Assembly held an online session, during which it passed two resolutions regarding the participation of Russian and Belarusian chess players in international competitions. Young chess players are now once again allowed to use their national symbols.
