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Russian chess grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik is being investigated by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) following the “unexpected” death of American chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky.
On Wednesday, Oct. 22, the governing body of international chess competition released a statement from FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich, announcing that the federation was investigating “public statements” made by Kramnik “before and after” Naroditsky’s death at age 29.
Kramnik, a former world champion, repeatedly accused Naroditsky, who was also a well-known chess commentator, of cheating during online matches, per NBC News.
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While Naroditsky denied any wrongdoing, he appeared visibly distressed in his final Twitch broadcast on Saturday, Oct. 18, discussing the controversy surrounding Kramnik’s accusation and the toll it had taken on him, according to USA Today.
Video of the stream has been deleted from his official Twitch account.
Naroditsky’s club, the Charlotte Chess Center, announced “the sad news of Daniel’s unexpected passing” in a statement on Monday, Oct. 20.
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“In recent times, a public debate within the chess world has too often moved beyond the boundaries of acceptable, harming not only people’s reputation but their very well-being,” Dvorkovich said in his statement. “When this happens, discussions can turn into harassment, bullying, and personal attacks — a particularly serious concern in today’s environment.”
Although Dvorkovich said that Kramnik’s achievements and contributions to the sport were “undeniable,” he and the FIDE Management Board will formally refer all “relevant public statements” made by Kramnik “before and after the tragic death of GM Daniel Naroditsky” to the FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission for “independent consideration.”
Dvorkovich vowed that “FIDE will take appropriate action in any case where a lack of respect, public harassment, or bullying is observed within the chess community.”
Daniel Naroditsky/Youtube
Kramnik defended his actions in a statement to Reuters in an article published Wednesday.
“What public statement after the death of Daniel was incorrect?” Kramnik said ” … I demand clarification from Mr. President. I have not bullied Daniel Naroditsky, nor ever made personal insults towards him.”
He also claimed to be the victim of bullying and damaging statements, including murder threats, from fellow members of the chess community, per the outlet.
On X, Kramnik wrote that the “recent tragedy should be investigated by police,” as “there are too many huge financial interests involved to be sure about it being just an incident.”
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“I am ready to provide all information required,” he said. Kramnik further claimed in a separate post that he plans to take legal action against those “falsely blaming me.”
