Archive · 9 Aug 2025
Li Haoyu Banned for Suspected Sandbagging by FIDE
A chess player named Li was banned because he might have been losing games on purpose to play in easier tournaments.
This is called 'sandbagging.'
He lost a lot of rating points, and the chess organization FIDE investigated.
Some people thought he was cheating, but others disagreed because it wasn't clear if he did it on purpose.
There was no evidence to determine if he entered tournaments with lower ratings.
FIDE banned Chinese chess player Li Haoyu for six months.
The ban was due to suspected sandbagging, or deliberately losing games.
Li's ELO rating dropped from 2379 to 1979 after two tournaments.
The Chinese Chess Association reported Li, leading to the investigation.
One member of FIDE's disciplinary commission dissented, citing lack of evidence.
- Who
- Li Haoyu, the FIDE, and the Chinese Chess Association.
- What
- Li Haoyu was banned from chess for suspected sandbagging.
- When
- The ban was announced after an investigation.
- Where
- The tournaments were held, and the ban applies worldwide.
- Why
- His actions raised suspicion of intentionally lowering his rating.
Guilty Verdict
Not Guilty Verdict
Evidence
Guilty Verdict
Li Haoyu intentionally performed poorly to lower his rating and gain advantage.
Not Guilty Verdict
Insufficient evidence was present to support the charges, as well as a long period without competition.
- Player
- Li Haoyu
- Governing Body
- FIDE
- Allegation
- Sandbagging
- ELO Drop
- 400 points in a year
- Previous Rating
- 2379
- Current Rating
- 1979
- Ban Length
- Six Months
