The International Chess Federation (FIDE) announced on Wednesday that it is considering disciplinary actions against Russian grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik for continuously levelling unsubstantiated cheating allegations against American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, who tragically passed away at the age of 29.
Kramnik, a former world champion, began his unproven accusations against Naroditsky last October and has since repeatedly shared his suspicions without substantial evidence through social media channels. The Charlotte Chess Center in North Carolina confirmed Naroditsky's death on Monday, stating that the cause is yet to be revealed.
Fed up with the accusations, Naroditsky had firmly denied any wrongdoing, stating that Kramnik’s claims had adversely affected his life and career. Arkady Dvorkovich, president of FIDE, stated that all relevant public statements made by Kramnik have been referred for review, promising that any instances of harassment or bullying would be addressed appropriately.
According to FIDE's anti-cheating laws, substantial evidence is required before launching any investigations, highlighting that unfounded claims can lead to sanctions against the accuser. Kramnik responded to the ongoing investigation by calling it 'insulting and unfair', seeking to clarify that he had not made disparaging remarks about Naroditsky.
Grandmaster Reactions
The situation has sparked criticism from notable grandmasters, including Hikaru Nakamura, who expressed concerns over Kramnik’s conduct towards Naroditsky. Magnus Carlsen also labeled Kramnik's pursuit as 'appalling'. Naroditsky himself remarked during a livestream that the cheating accusations had taken a toll on his mental well-being.
This incident isn't Kramnik's first public altercation; he was previously condemned for making baseless allegations against numerous players on online platforms. Naroditsky's contributions to blitz and bullet chess earned him a place among the world's top players, and Dvorkovich announced plans to establish a prize in his memory to honor his legacy.
As discussions surrounding ethical conduct in chess intensify, the federation aims to foster a respectful community while addressing any forms of harassment that may detract from the integrity of the game.
