The World Chess Federation (FIDE) has imposed a one‑year suspension on former world champion Vladimir Kramnik after he accused other players of cheating in public forums.
Kramnik, who served as world champion from 2000 to 2007, has called himself an advocate for fair play. However, FIDE determined his statements violated its ethics and disciplinary code amid complaints about the manner and content of the allegations.
The allegations centred on the late American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, who had earned a large following on Twitch and YouTube before he died last October at age 29. Naroditsky had denied any cheating and said the controversy had taken a toll on him, as noted in his final Twitch broadcast.
Kramnik announced on X that he would appeal the suspension. FIDE clarified that one additional year of the ban remains suspended, subject to a three‑year probationary period: if no further breaches occur, the active penalty will remain at one year.
Other prominent players, including world number two Hikaru Nakamura, former world champion Magnus Carlsen and Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, had previously condemned Kramnik’s conduct.
FIDE emphasised that while its findings were not intended to judge the truth of Kramnik’s remarks, the federation was concerned with the public manner in which the accusations were made. It reaffirmed its commitment to combating cheating through established procedures, consistent with its highest priorities in maintaining fair play and integrity in the sport.
