Candidates Timur Turlov, Jan Henric Buettner, and Wadim Rosenstein are competing to lead the World Chess Federation, with questions regarding financial transparency and connections to Russia.
Key facts
- •Incumbent FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich is not standing for re-election due to EU sanctions.
- •Timur Turlov's financial firm, Freedom Holding Corp., is a long-term primary sponsor of FIDE.
- •Jan Henric Buettner proposes distributing 20% of FIDE's revenue to global chess federations.
- •Wadim Rosenstein's Moscow-based company, WR RUS, reported profit growth from approximately €300,000 to €1.7 million between 2022 and 2025.
- •The Ukrainian Chess Federation has threatened to seek sanctions against Turlov or Rosenstein if either is elected.
The World Chess Federation (FIDE) is set to elect a new president on Saturday, September 26, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The election follows the decision of incumbent president Arkady Dvorkovich not to seek re-election after being placed on an EU sanctions list. Three candidates are vying for the position: Kazakh billionaire Timur Turlov, German investor Jan Henric Buettner, and German entrepreneur Wadim Rosenstein.
By the numbers
Candidates and Financial Scrutiny
The election marks the first time in over 30 years that a Russian will not lead FIDE. However, all three candidates face questions regarding their financial backers and potential ties to Russia. Timur Turlov, considered the favorite, is a close associate of the outgoing president and his firm, Freedom Holding Corp., is a major FIDE sponsor. Turlov and his firm are currently on Ukraine's sanctions list, and reports suggest the US Securities and Exchange Commission has taken an interest in his company. Jan Henric Buettner, who is running with a platform to reduce reliance on Russian funding, claims his team has no connections to Moscow. Conversely, Wadim Rosenstein, the official candidate of the German Chess Federation, faces scrutiny over his business activities. Reports indicate that his Moscow-based company, WR RUS, saw significant profit growth between 2022 and 2025, and questions have been raised regarding the transparency of his campaign funding and sponsorship claims.
Political and Institutional Support
Wadim Rosenstein has secured the support of the German Chess Federation (DSB), whose president, Paul Meyer-Dunker, cites a desire for professionalization and transparency. Rosenstein also met with Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann, though the ministry clarified this support was limited to the sport-specific focus of his bid. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Chess Federation has signaled it may push for sanctions against both Turlov and Rosenstein if they are elected, citing security concerns.
Timeline
- 2022Timur Turlov became a citizen of Kazakhstan.
- September 2026Wadim Rosenstein met with Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann.
- September 26, 2026FIDE congress and presidential election scheduled in Samarkand.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Deutsche Welle Sports.
