The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has announced plans to investigate Russian grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik for persistently making unfounded cheating allegations against American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, who died recently at the age of 29.
Naroditsky's passing was confirmed by the Charlotte Chess Center on Monday, yet the cause remains undisclosed. Over the past year, Kramnik accused Naroditsky of cheating in online chess, sharing these unverified claims widely across social media platforms.
Naroditsky, who achieved grandmaster status at just 18, vehemently denied the accusations and expressed his belief that Kramnik attempted to sabotage his career. Arkady Dvorkovich, president of FIDE, has referred Kramnik's statements to the organization's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission, emphasizing the seriousness of public harassment and stating that appropriate actions will follow if necessary.
The federation's anti-cheating policies require credible evidence to pursue investigations, and no formal complaints had been raised against Naroditsky prior to his demise. While Kramnik has reacted to the investigation, deeming it unjust, several grandmasters, including notable figures like Hikaru Nakamura, criticized his behavior, arguing it represented harassment and tarnished Naroditsky's reputation.
Discussions around cheating within chess have heightened, particularly following the increase in online play during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has introduced new dynamics and toxicity within the community. FIDE plans to honor Naroditsky's memory with a dedicated prize.
This incident underscores the often intense scrutiny elite chess players face and the detrimental effects of public speculation that can extend beyond mere rivalry.
