The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has formally lodged a complaint with its Ethics and Disciplinary Commission (EDC) against former world champion Vladimir Kramnik for what it described as a “pattern
of conduct” involving repeated, public accusations of cheating against Grandmasters Daniel Naroditsky and David Navara.
FIDE’s complaint follows months of controversy surrounding Kramnik’s unsubstantiated claims, which many in the chess community say contributed to the emotional distress of Naroditsky before his tragic death at age 29 in North Carolina, USA.
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has formally submitted a complaint to the FIDE Ethics & Disciplinary Commission (EDC) naming former World Champion Vladimir Kramnik as the respondent.
The referral follows concern in the chess community about repeated public allegations… pic.twitter.com/NEzVcNV5uh
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) November 11, 2025
“The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has formally submitted a complaint to the FIDE Ethics & Disciplinary Commission (EDC) naming former World Champion Vladimir Kramnik as the respondent,” FIDE said in an official statement.
“The complaint outlines a pattern of conduct over roughly two years and cites several public statements and materials that FIDE considers relevant to potential violations related to harassment and the insulting of an individual’s dignity.”
The federation confirmed that the complaint includes testimony and evidence from David Navara and individuals close to Naroditsky, and that the case will be reviewed according to EDC procedures.
Chess World Reacts
Kramnik’s allegations had previously drawn widespread condemnation from several top players, including Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, and Nihal Sarin, who criticised the impact of his statements on the chess community and on Naroditsky personally.
Following the American GM’s death, Kramnik faced additional backlash for suggesting on social media that Naroditsky may have struggled with substance abuse: remarks that FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky called “appalling and outright shameful.”
Disciplinary Process
According to EDC chairwoman Yolander Persaud, the complaint will now move through the federation’s disciplinary framework:
“Once a complaint is filed, the EDC Chair reviews it to determine if it is admissible. If accepted, the Chair identifies the charges and forwards the case to a First Instance Chamber, which will then notify both parties of the registration,” Persaud explained.
“The respondent has up to three weeks to submit a response, followed by possible additional exchanges. After reviewing all materials, the panel will deliberate privately and issue its decision.”
FIDE emphasised that the referral was made after a review by its Management Board and that the process will be handled “fairly and independently.”
“FIDE has taken this step to ensure that all relevant statements and evidence are examined by an independent disciplinary body and that the process is conducted fairly and with respect for all individuals involved,” the statement said.
(with PTI inputs)
