"The Rules Are to Be Used Against Any Opposition" - Peter Heine Nielsen on FIDE Election

The FIDE Council issued a formal reminder on May 5 warning federations, officials, and candidates against campaigning before the official electoral period for the 2026 General Assembly elections, set for September 26-27 in Samarkand.

Earlier, May 2, Emil Sutovsky, the CEO of FIDE posted on X , credited the 2018 strategic agreement with President Arkady Dvorkovich for the funding model shift. He cited the federation’s grassroots investment record and financing events through hosting fees, sponsorships, and broadcasting agreements rather than federation or player fees.

GM Peter Heine Nielsen

ex-coach of Annand and Carlsen

Blatant campaigning for FIDE President Dvorkovich to be reelected by a paid FIDE employee…

The rules are to be used against any opposition, they do not apply to the rulers.

Ilya Merenzon

World Chess CEO

Looks like it’s FIDE-speak to Wadim Rosenstein… The electoral rules need to be reviewed at some point. Three months for a global campaign is very little time even for the incumbent, let alone a new name… Is there a reason for campaigning time limits?

The 2026 FIDE General Assembly and presidential elections take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, alongside the 46th Chess Olympiad, running September 15-28, 2026. Incumbent President Dvorkovich has not confirmed re-election plans.