The FIDE said it was notified in a letter by Fumey, which was sent on Saturday (May 15).

Fumey, President of the Togo Chess Federation, had served as general secretary since the FIDE’s elections at Batumi in Georgia on October 3 2018.

The official is now set to shift roles to join the FIDE Social Commission, which aims to use chess to support social development.

"I truly believe that chess used for social goodwill allows us to bring our beautiful game beyond the borders of professional sports," Fumey wrote in his letter.

"I sincerely hope this mutual agreement between me and the FIDE leadership will produce good fruits and allow me to fully use my energy for the promotion of chess."

The FIDE said Fumey was one of the first people to support Arkady Dvorkovich when he revealed his intention to run for FIDE President.

Fumey was one of five names included by Dvorkovich to hold key FIDE roles when elected.

The FIDE thanked Fumey for his service as general secretary and said it was proud to have him continuing to work for the organisation in one of its priority areas.

The FIDE Social Commission reportedly seeks to support gender, social and economic development, as well as supporting life skills, ethics, and empowerment.

It also aims to use chess to support children in impoverished communities, refugee camps and those in prison, along with working with organisations which help to combat problems associated with memory loss and aging.