Chess Champion Banned After Cheating Accusation

Sun Sep 06 2026 12:57:36 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

FIDE suspends former World Champion Vladimir Kramnik for 12 months after he harshly accused fellow players of cheating, sparking controversy over late grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky.

Last week, the World Chess Federation slapped a 12‑month ban on former champion Vladimir Kramnik following a string of public accusations that other players were cheating. The ban came after FIDE ruled that Kramnik’s allegations violated its ethics code and were made in an unprofessional manner. Kramnik, who has long promoted fair play, says he will appeal the suspension. The tennis‑style ‘probation’ period means the ban will take effect for a year but will be lifted if no further breaches occur. The incident has drawn disapproval from top players, including Hikaru Nakamura, Magnus Carlsen and Nihal Sarin.

Babel of Chess: Kramnik Slammed and Suspended

In a shocking move, the World Chess Federation (FIDE) slapped a 12‑month ban on former world champion Vladimir Kramnik, after he publicly accused fellow players of cheating. Experts say the ban comes after “multiple violations of ethics and disciplinary code” were documented.

The allegations were directed at the late grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, who took a hit on his own mental health after the accusations. Naroditsky, a streaming icon, died at 29 after an accidental overdose, as revealed in a 2026 toxicology report.

Kramnik, a self‑proclaimed advocate for fair play, says he will appeal the suspension. FIDE clarified that the ban’s second year is suspended for a three‑year probation period—so it has to stay clean for a full year.

Around the chess community, big names like Hikaru Nakamura, Magnus Carlsen and Nihal Sarin have voiced disapproval. Many are calling for more transparent procedures when cheating is raised.