On November 12, 2025, the chess world was rocked by the announcement that the International Chess Federation (FIDE) had formally filed an ethics complaint against former World Chess Champion Vladimir Kramnik. The move has set off an intense debate within the global chess community, as the complaint centers on allegations of harassment and the “insulting of an individual’s dignity” following Kramnik’s repeated, unproven cheating accusations against fellow grandmasters, most notably the late Daniel Naroditsky.
The complaint, now in the hands of FIDE’s independent Ethics & Disciplinary Commission (EDC), marks a dramatic escalation in a saga that has roiled professional chess for nearly two years. According to FIDE’s 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.”
Daniel Naroditsky, the American grandmaster at the center of the controversy, died unexpectedly on October 19, 2025, at just 29 years old. His sudden passing sent shockwaves through the chess world, with tributes pouring in from fans, fellow players, and commentators. Naroditsky was widely admired not only for his prowess on the board but for his contributions as a commentator, educator, and online content creator, helping to popularize chess through YouTube videos and livestreams.
The cause of Naroditsky’s death has not been made public. However, the timeline of events leading up to his passing has drawn significant scrutiny. Last year, Kramnik publicly accused Naroditsky of cheating, and continued to express suspicions on social media platforms. Naroditsky, for his part, consistently denied the allegations. In his final Twitch stream before his death, Naroditsky spoke candidly about the personal toll of the controversy: “The problem is, ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst of intentions,” he said. “The issue is just the lingering effect of it.”
Kramnik’s campaign against what he has described as a “cheating epidemic” in chess has made him an increasingly polarizing figure. While he maintains that he has never directly accused anyone of cheating—insisting he is merely “asking questions”—the chess community has widely interpreted his posts and videos as direct accusations. The controversy has not been limited to Naroditsky; Czech grandmaster David Navara was also named in a tweet by Kramnik, prompting Navara to write a deeply personal blog post describing suicidal thoughts in the aftermath.
FIDE’s complaint, according to their release, includes testimony from both Navara and individuals close to Naroditsky. The federation’s anti-cheating laws are explicit: substantial evidence is required to launch a cheating investigation, and sanctions may be imposed on players who make unfounded accusations based on emotion or insufficient data. No documented reports indicate that FIDE ever investigated Naroditsky for cheating.
The reaction from the broader chess community has been swift and, in many cases, severe. Several of the game’s most prominent figures have spoken out against Kramnik’s conduct. GM Magnus Carlsen, the reigning world champion, described Kramnik’s treatment of Naroditsky as “horrible.” GM Levon Aronian suggested Kramnik seek “professional help,” while GMs Hikaru Nakamura and Nihal Sarin have publicly labeled Kramnik’s actions as harassment.
The public outcry has not been limited to social media. A Change.org petition, now with over 52,000 signatures, is demanding FIDE take decisive action. The petition calls for sanctions against both Kramnik and FIDE CEO GM Emil Sutovsky, alleging that their statements in the wake of Naroditsky’s death were “insensitive, speculative, and damaging.” Specifically, petitioners are urging FIDE to revoke Kramnik’s titles and to demand Sutovsky’s resignation.
Chess.com, the world’s largest chess platform, has also taken action. At the end of 2023, the site muted Kramnik’s account following repeated accusations against other players. This was followed by a suspension from prize events and, eventually, a permanent ban for what Chess.com described as “repeated, and egregious, violations of the company’s Community Policy.”
Despite the mounting criticism, Kramnik has denied any wrongdoing. He turned down Chess.com’s request for comment on the FIDE investigation, stating that he had not been informed of the proceedings. Previously, he called the federation’s investigation “insulting and unfair.” He continues to deny that he ever harassed or insulted Naroditsky, maintaining that his public statements were motivated by a desire to address broader issues within the game.
Even after Naroditsky’s death, Kramnik did not back down. He continued to post about the American grandmaster, suggesting that “the real truth” behind the tragedy was being “hidden.” This has only fueled further outrage among players and fans, many of whom see the continued commentary as insensitive and damaging.
The formal complaint process is now underway. As explained by Yolander Persaud, the chairperson of FIDE’s Ethics & Disciplinary Commission, the process begins with a review of the complaint’s admissibility. If accepted, the EDC Chair identifies the charges and forwards the case to a First Instance Chamber. Both parties are then notified of the registration, and the respondent—Kramnik in this case—has up to three weeks to submit a response and any supporting documents. Additional exchanges of statements may occur if further information is required, with each side given up to two weeks to reply. Once all materials are reviewed, the panel will deliberate privately and issue its decision.
The range of possible sanctions is broad. The EDC may issue warnings, impose fines, suspend individuals, revoke titles, or even hand down lifetime bans from FIDE events and positions. As the process unfolds, the chess world watches with bated breath—will this case set a precedent for how allegations and conduct are handled at the highest levels of the game?
For now, the chess community remains divided. Some see the complaint as a necessary step to protect players from baseless accusations and harassment, while others worry about the implications for free speech and the open discussion of cheating in chess. One thing is certain: the outcome of this case will have lasting repercussions for the sport’s culture and governance.
As the Ethics & Disciplinary Commission begins its review, all eyes are on FIDE and Kramnik. The world waits to see whether the governing body will deliver a decisive response to one of the most contentious issues in recent chess history, or if the controversy will continue to cast a shadow over the game’s future.
