What Does Viktor Orban's Election Defeat Mean For Chess? Quite A Lot Actually, Just Ask FIDE

Well, that wasn’t a headline many expected to see this year.

Viktor Orban—Hungary’s long-time prime minister and one of Europe’s most recognisable political figures—has been booted out of power. Most of the reaction has, understandably, focused on what that means for Hungary and the EU.

But in the chess world, a more niche question has been bubbling under the surface: what happens next for the world chess federation FIDE?

Yes—chess is important in this too.

Orban's government has, over the past few years, played a surprisingly visible role in supporting international chess—backing events, providing funding, and helping position Hungary as a reliable host.

Case in point: when FIDE needed a venue for the 2024 Olympiad, Hungary—the nation that gave us the legendary Polgar sisters—stepped in. The government contributed significant funding and delivered an impressive event next to the national football stadium—exactly the kind of support elite chess depends on.

On the eve of the Olympiad, FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich was there rubbing shoulders with Orbán and Hungary’s foreign minister Peter Szijjarto at a Hungary football match. I know this, because he told me the day after. On paper, that kind of political networking isn't unusual for a global sports body.

But in FIDE circles, it raised eyebrows.

For some time, observers have speculated—without firm public evidence—that Russia has used FIDE as an indirect channel of communication with Orban's government.

That context matters because, like Lavrov, Dvorkovich isn't just a Russian with an interest in chess administration: he is a former Russian deputy prime minister, once very much at the heart of Vladimir Putin's ruling elite.

Now, with Orban out (or on his way out), that now comes under pressure.

Dvorkovich is up for re-election on September 26, when FIDE’s General Assembly meets in Samarkand. Not long ago it looked like he was a shoe-in for another term.

But in recent months the 54-year-old's position has come under increasing scrutiny in EU circles. Reports suggest he was considered for inclusion in a draft EU sanctions package initially tied to the anniversary of Russian invasion of Ukraine. No doubt the Ukrainian Chess Federation has pushed the case. Ukraine itself has already sanctioned Dvorkovich.

The EU draft itself hasn't been made public, so nothing is confirmed. But that sanctions package is still waiting to be enacted because, as you already knew, Orban's Hungary was acting as the blocker.

FIDE was contacted with regard to the allegation of sanctions being considered for Dvorkovich, but has not replied.

Orban and Szijjarto have been seen as political allies of Dvorkovich, helping to shield him—at least indirectly—from mounting pressure within the EU. They are, of course, aligned politically close to Russia.

Recent allegations about Szijjarto passing sensitive EU information to his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov appeared to confirm this. Closer to chess, it was even reported that Szijjarto intervened personally to get Dvorkovich's name off the sanctions list, even if the package did go ahead.

And that’s where Orban's defeat could have real consequences: the blocker is removed, meaning Dvorkovich is exposed.

Sanctions would mean, among many other things, that FIDE could find itself having a president who couldn't travel to or inside Europe, where many top tournaments take place. It would surely be terminal for his reign.

Now Orban's government has been decisively defeated, does that mean the beginning of the end for Dvorkovich?

Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, a familiar name to FIDE having been Dvorkovich's predecessor, has already claimed he's ready to throw his hat in the ring. Could there be more challengers?

Keep an eye on the election—and on our FIDE election win predictor.