Vladimir Kramnik, PC: ChessBase FIDE, the governing body of world chess, has banned Russian grandmaster and former world champion Vladimir Kramnik for two years “for multiple violations of the Ethics Code and Disciplinary Code”. The final 12 months of the ban have been suspended, but a 12-month of “unpaid service for the benefit of chess” has been imposed on him as a supplementary sanction. In a statement, FIDE said: “The proceedings arose from complaints submitted by the FIDE Management Board and the FIDE Fair Play Commission concerning a sustained series of public statements and social media posts made by GM Kramnik about GM David Navara and the late GM Daniel Naroditsky as well as other players.” The FIDE Ethics & Disciplinary Commission (EDC) conducted the disciplinary proceedings and issued its decision.

As per the FIDE statement: “The EDC is an independent judicial body within FIDE responsible for considering alleged violations of the FIDE Ethics Code and Disciplinary Code.” The tragic passing of the American grandmaster Naroditsky in October last year at the age of 29 sparked grief in the chess world. It triggered a widespread backlash and a FIDE investigation against Kramnik who allegedly accused Naroditsky of cheating online. “Following a comprehensive review of the evidence and submissions from all parties, the EDC found GM Kramnik responsible for multiple violations of the FIDE Ethics Code and Disciplinary Code,” said the FIDE statement.

“The Chamber found that his conduct breached provisions relating to the right to dignity and respectful treatment, safeguarding the dignity of individuals, bullying and cyberbullying, psychological abuse, responsibility as a role model, failure to cooperate with the Fair Play Commission’s investigation, and false or unjustified public accusations.” It added: “At the same time, the Commission dismissed several other charges, including alleged violations relating to integrity, honesty, responsibility and accountability, as well as causing reputational harm to FIDE, concluding that these had not been established to the required standard.” While delivering the verdict, the EDC said: “Having considered both aggravating and mitigating circumstances, the EDC imposed a two-year worldwide ban from participating in FIDE chess competitions or acting in official chess functions. The final 12 months of the ban have been suspended for a probationary period of three years, meaning the active suspension is one year provided no further breaches occur during probation. In addition, the Chamber imposed 12 months of unpaid service for the benefit of the chess community as a supplementary sanction.

“The decision may be appealed to the FIDE Ethics & Disciplinary Commission Appeal Chamber within 21 days in accordance with the EDC Procedural Rules.”     The post appeared first on .