Archive · 1 Nov 2025
FIDE President Responds to Kramnik's Cheating Allegations After Naroditsky's Death
A top official in the world of chess, Arkady Dvorkovich, spoke about claims of cheating in online games.
He mentioned that he had asked a famous player, Vladimir Kramnik, to be less forceful with his accusations and to show proof of cheating.
Dvorkovich said he asked Kramnik about this even before another talented young player, Daniel Naroditsky, sadly passed away at age 29.
Kramnik had pointed to some online games as suspicious.
People are now saying Kramnik might have been too harsh, possibly bullying Naroditsky with his online posts.
Dvorkovich explained that FIDE, the chess organization, is investigating these matters through its ethics committee.
He also noted that FIDE is working with online chess platforms to improve how they handle cheating claims, as FIDE doesn't currently have the power to sanction players based solely on online platform findings.
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich asked Vladimir Kramnik to tone down his online cheating allegations and provide proof.
Dvorkovich made this request to Kramnik before the death of grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, whose online games Kramnik had flagged.
Kramnik has been accused of bullying Naroditsky through social media posts regarding suspected cheating.
The FIDE Ethics Commission is investigating Kramnik's allegations and conduct, with investigations typically taking 2-4 months.
FIDE is seeking stronger collaboration with online chess platforms to address cheating concerns, as FIDE currently cannot sanction players based on online platform findings alone.
- Who
- FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, former world champion Vladimir Kramnik, and deceased grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky
- What
- FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich stated he had previously urged Vladimir Kramnik to moderate his accusations of cheating in online chess and requested proof, which was not provided.
- When
- Before Daniel Naroditsky's death and following it; Dvorkovich spoke at the FIDE World Cup in Goa.
- Where
- Goa, India (at the FIDE World Cup)
- Why
- To address Vladimir Kramnik's unsubstantiated allegations of cheating in online chess, which were flagged as potentially impacting Daniel Naroditsky before his death.
Vladimir Kramnik's Actions
FIDE President's Perspective
Nature of Allegations
Vladimir Kramnik's Actions
Flagged online games as suspicious, providing data to expose cheating.
FIDE President's Perspective
Allegations went 'too far in the wrong direction'; Kramnik was asked to be 'less aggressive' and provide full methodology, which was not received.
Impact on Naroditsky
Vladimir Kramnik's Actions
Implied that Naroditsky was targeted and affected by 'aggressive hints' and accusations.
FIDE President's Perspective
Stated that Daniel felt affected by the 'hints' and aggressive posts, even if not direct accusations; evidence provided to FIDE for investigation.
Need for Proof
Vladimir Kramnik's Actions
Shared data he claimed exposed cheating.
FIDE President's Perspective
Requested clear scientific foundation and methodology for statistics, which was not provided.
- FIDE President
- Arkady Dvorkovich
- Former World Champion Involved
- Vladimir Kramnik
- Deceased Grandmaster
- Daniel Naroditsky
- Age of Deceased Grandmaster
- 29
- Allegations Focus
- Online chess cheating
- Investigation Body
- FIDE Ethics Commission
- Investigation Timeline
- 2-4 months