The International Chess Federation has banned former world champion Vladimir Kramnik from its events and official roles for two years. The FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission found him guilty of bullying, cyberbullying, and making unfounded cheating accusations against other players.
The decision, announced July 3, bars the 51-year-old Russian grandmaster from participating in FIDE competitions and holding chess-related positions. The final 12 months of the ban are suspended pending a three-year probation, and Kramnik must complete 12 months of unpaid community service.
Kramnik was found guilty on eight of 11 charges, including violations related to dignity, psychological abuse, and reckless accusations. The case centered on his public statements about grandmasters Daniel Naroditsky and David Navara.
Kramnik described the ruling as unlawful and said he has prepared an appeal to be filed within the required 21-day window. He maintains that his comments were requests for investigation rather than direct accusations.
The ban takes effect immediately and would prevent him from roles such as team captain, a position he held for Uzbekistan at the 2024 Chess Olympiad.