Arkady Dvorkovich has decided to voluntarily suspend his duties as the president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) while the EU sanctions against him remain in force, the FIDE press service said in a statement. In line with the FIDE Charter, the duties of the president will be assumed by FIDE deputy president, the 15th World Champion, Viswanathan Anand. "Today, the EU decision to include my name in the 21st sanctions list was published. The FIDE Council accepts and ratifies the decision to suspend the exercise of his rights, duties and prerogatives as the president of the FIDE. The next election of the FIDE president is due on September 26-27, during the organizaiton’s general assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.