FIDE Responds After Dvorkovich Accused Of 'Violating Every Electoral Rule Possible'

The starting gun may not have been officially fired, but make no mistake, the fight for the FIDE presidency is well under way.

Now it has fully exploded.

Before he has even formally announced his candidacy for re-election—which we all know is coming—Arkady Dvorkovich is already under severe fire for allegedly breaking FIDE's election rules.

FIDE, when asked for its reply, told World Chess that "these rules will be fully respected by all parties".

'Just Blatant Campaigning'

The allegations centre on Dvorkovich, the Russian incumbent who has led the game's governing body since 2018. FIDE rules state electioneering can only start three months before the big vote, which this year falls on September 27. The president is also prohibited from using FIDE funds or employees to aid his tilt at the top job.

A row on this has been brewing for weeks now, but sparked into life after GM Emil Sutovsky, the CEO of FIDE—and therefore a paid employee, not a political appointment—posted on X a seemingly supportive message about his boss.

Sutovsky was gushing in his praise as he credited Dvorkovich for his grassroots investment record and financing events through hosting fees, sponsorships, and broadcasting agreements rather than federation or player fees. Was his message timed to come before an upcoming announcement, perhaps?

Dvorkovich's opponents piled in. GM Peter Heine Nielsen, a fervent critic of Russian influence on FIDE, accused Sutovsky of "just blatant campaigning" for Dvorkovich.

The allegations levelled at Dvorkovich and Sutovsky are part of a wider picture that suggest the current head of FIDE has already started his election manoeuvres elsewhere.

Earlier this week, FIDE's press operation hailed Dvorkovich's "multi-stop visit across the Caribbean and Central America, reinforcing FIDE’s commitment to expanding chess through education, institutional partnerships, and competitive opportunities".

With his FIDE hat on, and using the FIDE travel fund, the 54-year-old had visited Barbados, Saint Lucia and Panama meeting dignitaries and delegates along the way.

FIDE's website proclaimed this as an important mission.

However, IM George Mastrokoukos, a former member of FIDE's legal team and another frequent critic, had a different view.

Also this week, the president of the Thailand Chess Association Sahapol Nakvanich posted on Facebook that Dvorkovich has been in touch to canvass support.

Nakvanich sounded distinctly unimpressed: "After several years without communication, I was recently contacted by the current FIDE President regarding upcoming elections and regional matters.

"The current president informed me that he will run again in written.

"As the Thailand Chess Association, our focus remains on developing chess in Thailand and Southeast Asia through our own initiatives, tournaments, and long-term cooperation with all partners who genuinely support chess growth.

"We believe national federations should be respected as independent organizations free to make decisions in the best interests of their players and chess communities."

The Council Intervenes

On Tuesday, the FIDE Council—the body charged with ensuring FIDE's Charter is followed—was moved to issue a formal reminder regarding electoral regulations.

Quoting its own Electoral Rules, the Council said: "FIDE reminds all federations, officials, and potential candidates that the FIDE elections are set for 26 and 27 September 2026. According to FIDE rules, the official electoral period starts three months before the elections, which in this case would be 26 June 2026.

"Candidates are reminded that they should not campaign or promote their candidacy before the official start of the electoral period."

Was this a direct rebuke to Dvorkovich and his entourage?

FIDE responded to World Chess's request for a comment with the following statement emphasising adherence to election rules.

A spokesperson said: "FIDE and its officials continuously carry out their institutional responsibilities, which include regular meetings with member federations, organisers, sponsors, government and development partners across all continents.

"The organisation is currently engaged in a wide range of active projects related to chess development, education, competition, institutional cooperation and international events such as the Chess Olympiad or the partnership with Norway Chess.

"As the President of FIDE, Mr Dvorkovich remains fully engaged in these responsibilities, together with the FIDE team.

"FIDE’s electoral rules clearly define the electoral period and applicable conditions, and these rules will be fully respected by all parties. At the same time, it is important to distinguish between usual institutional work and electoral campaigning as defined under the Electoral Rules.

"FIDE remains committed to supporting a fair, transparent and respectful electoral process for everyone."

Elsewhere, Dvorkovich's potential opponents are considering their options. The German businessman Wadim Rosenstein is widely-rumoured to be considering a bid and England's FIDE delegate IM Malcolm Pein has also expressed an interest in toppling the incumbent.

New names could also enter the fray. But until then Dvorkovich, still not formally a runner, is the target.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is a republished version of the article including a comment from FIDE. The previous version was published before FIDE's response to questions from World Chess had been received.