Chess Grandmasters Vladimir Kramnik (Photo Antony Jones/Getty Images for World Chess) In a strongly formulated statement, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) considered the escalating controversy concerning the former world champion GM Vladimir Kramnik and Czech GM David Navar, expressing deep concern over the fall and urging to return to mutual respect in the chess community.FIDE has repeated its commitment to fair play in over-theboard and online formats and acknowledged the growing influence of online platforms in shaping modern chess. The management body confirmed the creation of a specialized working group to review statistical methods designed by Kramnik to detect possible cheating. Fide called on Kramnik to present his data for official evaluation, but warned that his public comment was damaging.“We are seriously concerned that the way Mr. Kramnik presents his points brings a lot of damage to the chess community,” the statement read. “It could be destroyed for the career and well -being of some players from the former world champion.”
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Fide stood firmly behind GM David Navar and described him as “paragon fair play” and players with “great sensitivity and integrity”. The organization stressed that Navara is particularly vulnerable to reputation damage and psychological stress caused by public accusations.The controversy achieved new heights when Kramnik filed a lawsuit against civil gossip in Geneva, not only against Navar, but also against Chess.com and intelligence shaft, after public clashes on online cheating. In response to the respected Armenian GM Levon Aronian, Kramnik published an emotional open letter that begged for reconciliation and reflection.“Dear Vladimir Kramnik, forgive me that I publicly addressed you,” Aronian wrote. Aronian described Kramnik as one of his “chess parents” and remembered the admiration of Kramnik’s resistance and brilliance – but he urged him to reconsider the legal way. “You are fighting your own demons,” he said.This sentiment came to the conclusion of his statement by urging Kramnik to resign in court proceedings: “We honestly hope that GM Kramnik will take this morally justified step, which we believe will be welcomed the wider chess world.”
