FIDE Considers Disciplinary Action Against Kramnik After Unfounded Harassment of Late Grandmaster Naroditsky

Chess’s world governing body, FIDE, has launched an investigation into former world champion Vladimir Kramnik for what it described as possible violations of its ethics code after his sustained online campaign accusing American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky of cheating, claims for which he never produced evidence.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich confirmed Wednesday that Kramnik’s social media posts and public statements had been referred to the organization’s Ethics and Disciplinary Commission. “Appropriate action will be taken in cases of public harassment or bullying,” he said.

Naroditsky’s sudden death this week at age 29 sent shockwaves through the chess world. The California-born prodigy, who became a grandmaster at 18, was one of the most popular figures in online chess and recently won the US National Blitz Championship.

His colleagues and fans have since drawn attention to the relentless harassment campaign waged by Kramnik, who repeatedly alleged that Naroditsky cheated in online matches. The Russian ex-world champion, who once called for “cleaning up” online chess, offered no proof but kept his accusations alive for nearly a year.

Naroditsky had publicly admitted that the pressure was taking a toll.

“Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst,” he said during a livestream. “The issue is just the lingering effect of it.”

In the aftermath of Naroditsky’s death, Kramnik defended himself online, warning critics they would be “legally responsible” for blaming him and even posting cryptic messages referencing Naroditsky’s final broadcast.

Top players have condemned Kramnik’s conduct. Five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen called it “appalling,” while Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin said:

“When respected figures spread unfounded allegations without accountability, real lives are destroyed.”

Kramnik has previously targeted other players with similar accusations. His Chess.com blog was shut down in 2023 for posting “baseless allegations against many dozens of players,” and Czech grandmaster David Navara, one of his earlier targets, has said the harassment drove him to suicidal thoughts.