ISLAMABAD: The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has filed a formal complaint against former World Champion Vladimir Kramnik, accusing him of repeatedly making unfounded public allegations of cheating against two fellow grandmasters over a period of nearly two years.
The complaint, submitted to FIDE’s Ethics & Disciplinary Commission, centres on Kramnik’s comments targeting American GM Daniel Naroditsky and Czech GM David Navara. Naroditsky, a respected commentator and the 2013 World Junior Champion, died on October 20 at age 29. His family has not disclosed the cause of death.
Kramnik had publicly accused Naroditsky of cheating last year and continued to cast suspicion on social media, even as Naroditsky denied all allegations. The federation said the complaint focuses on possible violations related to harassment, reputational harm, and the insulting of an individual’s dignity.
Yolander Persaud, chair of the disciplinary commission, said that if the complaint is admitted, Kramnik will have up to three weeks to respond. The panel will then review evidence from all sides before issuing a decision, which could include sanctions.
In his final livestream before his death, Naroditsky spoke candidly about the emotional strain the accusations had created.
“Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst,” he said. “The issue is just the lingering effect of it.”
Several leading figures in the chess world — including Hikaru Nakamura and Nihal Sarin — have criticised Kramnik for his conduct, saying the Russian grandmaster’s behaviour amounted to harassment.
Kramnik did not respond to requests for comment submitted through his GoFundMe page linked to his anti-cheating activism. He has previously described FIDE’s scrutiny of his statements as “insulting and unfair.”
FIDE said the complaint outlines a “pattern of conduct” over two years and includes testimony from Navara and individuals close to Naroditsky. Under FIDE’s anti-cheating regulations, players can face sanctions for making accusations without evidence, and the federation requires substantial proof to initiate any cheating investigation. It has been confirmed that there were no formal investigations into Naroditsky.
The governing body had earlier flagged Kramnik’s statements — both before and after Naroditsky’s death — for ethical review. The latest move marks the first formal complaint filed against him in the case.
