Arkady Dvorkovich Announces Bid for Third Term as FIDE President Amidst Controversy and Competition

Arkady Dvorkovich Announces Bid for Third Term as FIDE President

Samarkand, Uzbekistan — In a surprising turn of events, Arkady Dvorkovich has officially declared his candidacy for a third term as President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), despite previously advocating for a two-term limit for the position. The announcement, made on Monday, sets the stage for what is anticipated to be FIDE’s most competitive presidential election since 2018.

Dvorkovich, who has held the presidency since 2018, will face off against German entrepreneurs Wadim Rosenstein and Jan Henric Buettner, who entered the race just days prior. The election will take place during the FIDE General Assembly, coinciding with the FIDE Chess Olympiad in September in Samarkand.

In his campaign announcement, Dvorkovich emphasized the progress made during his tenure, stating, “Eight years ago, I committed to building a stronger, fairer, global FIDE. Serving as the president of FIDE for the past eight years has been an exceptional honour.” He highlighted achievements in expanding global events and investing in various chess initiatives, including children’s chess and women’s competitions.

A Shift in Leadership Dynamics

Running alongside Dvorkovich is Timur Turlov, a billionaire and founder of Freedom Holding, who will serve as his candidate for Deputy President. Turlov’s involvement marks a significant shift in FIDE’s leadership dynamics, as he replaces former world champion Viswanathan Anand, who has opted not to seek re-election for the Deputy President role but will remain a key advisor.

Anand publicly endorsed Dvorkovich’s campaign, expressing confidence in his commitment to the global chess community. “I have worked closely with Arkady over the past four years and have seen his dedication to chess and to federations around the world,” Anand stated.

Controversial Term Limit Reversal

Dvorkovich’s decision to run for a third term comes after FIDE delegates voted to abolish the two-term limit earlier this year, a move that has drawn criticism given his initial campaign promises. In 2018, he had pledged to implement term limits as part of his reform agenda. The recent change was prompted by a motion from 21 smaller federations, clearing the path for Dvorkovich’s re-election bid.

Despite the controversy, Dvorkovich framed his campaign as a continuation of his previous work, focusing on expanding opportunities for federations and fostering a sense of community within the “global chess family.” He concluded his announcement with the rallying cry, “Every move counts. Everyone matters.”

Challenges Ahead

As Dvorkovich seeks to extend his presidency, he faces scrutiny over his past ties to the Kremlin, particularly in light of Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine. His federation, the Chess Federation of Russia (CFR), has been suspended by FIDE for refusing to halt events in occupied territories, which complicates his campaign as the CFR will be unable to vote in the upcoming election.

CFR President Andrey Filatov expressed support for Dvorkovich, asserting that his leadership is crucial for the future of Russian chess. However, the ongoing sanctions and restrictions on Russian teams could pose significant challenges for Dvorkovich’s administration if he is re-elected.

Looking Ahead

The FIDE presidential election is set for September 26-27, where each national federation will cast its vote to determine the next leader of the global chess community. As the chess world watches closely, Dvorkovich’s bid for a third term raises questions about leadership, accountability, and the future direction of FIDE.