Co-founder of ChessFam, Michael Duke, commented on Arkady Dvorkovich’s decision to remove FIDE presidential term limits. Michael considers this decision unacceptable, and notes that Dvorkovich wanted to retain power. Michael shared his opinion on ‘The Perpetual Chess Podcast’.

Michael Duke

Michael Duke

Co-founder of ChessFam

“I think it’s completely unacceptable that Dvorkovich got rid of term limits.

I think I will not praise Americans for very many things, but you guys have got term limits 100%. Well, for now, hopefully! I think term limits are incredibly valuable.

If I could have one thing changed in the chess world, it would be mandatory term limits for all of these positions. I think they’re just absolutely fundamental to democracy. Democracy requires change.

And if Dvorkovich was a once-in-a-lifetime generational administrator who was the absolute best and we couldn’t afford to lose him because he was so incredibly talented, we should move him to a commission.

I don’t think there’s any reasonable argument against term limits other than that guy wants to stay in power for the sake of power. The reality is he’s not a once-in-a-lifetime generational administrator. He’s just a guy that’s there. And he wants to be in control. He wants to keep power.

So, I think it was a complete disgrace and embarrassment that he ran on term limits. That was a big part of his campaign. And then he revoked it as soon as he had the opportunity to…

We should just have term limits. This is my main thing for chess. Just introduce term limits everywhere.”

Arkady Dvorkovich became FIDE President in 2018 and was re-elected for a second term in 2022. In 2023, FIDE presidential term limits were removed. The limit was a maximum of two four-year terms. Term limits were originally introduced by Dvorkovich when he was first elected in 2018.

Dvorkovich was suspended from the position of FIDE President on July 24. He was included in the European Union sanctions list as part of the 21st package of restrictions against Russia. On the same day, Dvorkovich stated that he withdraws from the FIDE Presidential election 2026.

Credit: David Llada