The International Chess Federation (FIDE) announced on Wednesday that it is investigating former world champion Vladimir Kramnik over public statements and unproven cheating allegations he made against fellow grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, who died unexpectedly this week at age 29. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich confirmed that Kramnik's comments, made both before and after Naroditsky's death, have been referred to the FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission for review.
Naroditsky, a popular American grandmaster, commentator, and educator, passed away suddenly on Monday; no cause of death has been released. For over a year, Kramnik, a Russian former world champion, had repeatedly accused Naroditsky of cheating in online chess games without providing substantial evidence. Naroditsky denied the allegations but spoke openly about the negative impact they had on his mental health. During his final Twitch stream last Saturday, he mentioned the "lingering effect" of the accusations, stating, "ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst of intentions."
Following Naroditsky's death, Kramnik posted on social media, defending himself against blame, hinting at potential substance abuse by Naroditsky with posts like "don't do drugs," referencing a "strange recent stream," and calling for a "proper investigation." In response to FIDE's probe announcement, Kramnik told Reuters, "I have not bullied Daniel Naroditsky, nor ever made personal insults towards him," and demanded clarification on which post-death statements were deemed incorrect.
The situation has sparked widespread outrage within the chess community, with top players condemning Kramnik's behavior. Five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen called Kramnik's actions "horrible," while US GM Hikaru Nakamura used strong language to denounce the conduct. Indian GM Nihal Sarin stated Naroditsky was under "immense stress" and that Kramnik "needs to pay," adding, "When respected figures spread unfounded allegations without accountability, real lives are destroyed."
There's the growing problem of unsubstantiated cheating allegations in online chess, an issue Kramnik has been central to. His blog on Chess.com was previously shut down for spreading "baseless and damaging" accusations against numerous players. FIDE faces increasing pressure not only to address Kramnik's conduct but also to grapple with the potentially harmful consequences of online harassment within the digital chess world.