Dvorkovich refused to lead FIDE meeting on lifting sanctions on Russians
Arkady Dvorkovich, President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), said on Sunday, September 22, that he would not lead a meeting of the organization's General Assembly, at which the issue of returning Russians to competitions would be considered.
He suggested that FIDE vice-president and India's Anand Viswanathan, a representative of India, host the meeting.
"Taking into account that it concerns Russia, I will not lead the session on this issue. I invite Anand to lead this issue," Dvorkovich said at the General Assembly.
On the eve it was reported that the International Chess Federation (FIDE) will consider the issue of restoring the rights of Russian chess players at a meeting on September 22.
Earlier, on September 13, FIDE canceled the decision to temporarily exclude the Russian Chess Federation. The reason for canceling the decision was the commission's clarification that there was no authority to suspend the FSHR's membership in FIDE, in connection with which other sanctions should be applied.
On June 7, FIDE deprived the Russian Chess Federation of membership in the organization for two years. This decision was taken after the Ukrainian Chess Federation complained that new regions of the Russian Federation had been admitted to the FSHR.
The next day, the international federation issued a statement explaining that the two-year exclusion of the FSHR does not affect the rights of players, referees, coaches and clubs that are members of the Russian chess organization. Athletes from the Russian Federation will be able to participate in competitions. At the same time, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich was reprimanded by the international organization.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called FIDE's decision against the Russian Chess Federation unfair. He reminded that before this verdict Russia had "very constructive relations" with this international sports organization.
In turn, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on June 8 that FIDE, by deciding to temporarily suspend the FSHR's participation, had excluded itself from world chess.
