Vladimír Kramník (AP Photo/Hermann J. Knippertz, File) The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has filed a formal complaint with its Ethics and Disciplinary Commission (EDC) against former world champion Vladimir Kramnik. The complaint concerns Kramnik’s repeated public allegations of cheating against GM Daniel Naroditsky and GM David Navarro.Naroditsky, who died aged 29 in North Carolina, had faced unsubstantiated cheating allegations from Kramnik in the months before his death.“The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has formally lodged a complaint with the FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission (EDC), which has named former world champion Vladimir Kramnik as a respondent,” FIDE said in a statement.“The complaint outlines a pattern of behavior spanning approximately two years and cites several public statements and materials that FIDE considers relevant to potential violations related to harassment and indignities.“The filing also includes testimony and information provided by David Navarro and people close to Daniel Naroditsky. These matters will now be reviewed under established EDC procedures.”Several top players, including Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura and India CEO Nihal Sarin, have expressed concern about how Kramnik’s allegations have affected Naroditsky.The referral was made after the FIDE Board reviewed the matter.“FIDE has taken this step to ensure that all relevant statements and evidence are reviewed by an independent disciplinary body and that the process is conducted fairly and with respect for all individuals involved,” it added.After Kramnik’s unfounded allegations of cheating, Naroditsky withdrew from the commentary and online chess activities that had made him popular.Kramnik later suggested on social media that Naroditsky may have been involved in substance abuse after his death.FIDE Director General Emil Šutovský criticized Kramnik’s comments last month, calling them appalling and shameful.“Once a complaint is filed, the EDC Chairperson reviews it to determine if it is admissible. If accepted, the Chairperson identifies the allegations and forwards the case to the Chamber of First Instance, which then notifies both parties of the registration,” said Yolander Persaud, EDC Chairperson.“The respondent is informed of the initiation of disciplinary proceedings and has up to three weeks to submit an answer and any supporting documents.“If additional information is required, a second exchange of statements may take place, with each side given two weeks to respond. After reviewing all materials, the panel will deliberate in private and issue a decision.”FIDE is committed to conducting transparent, fair and independent ethics reviews. The Commission will announce any outcome, including any penalties, in due course.
