Arkady Dvorkovich has decided to voluntarily suspend his duties as the

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.

"I want to state unequivocally that I consider this decision unlawful and unfair, and this decision will be immediately challenged by all possible means. I am confident that justice will prevail," Dvorkovich 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.