Chess Legend Kramnik Sues FIDE Over Defamation Amid Cheating Scandal and Online Abuse

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Chess legend Vladimir Kramnik has taken FIDE to court, filing a defamation lawsuit in a Swiss civil court. The move comes after months of online abuse and criticism from fans, FIDE, and fellow players. Kramnik's decision to sue FIDE was announced on X, following an inquiry into allegations that he harassed players with unsubstantiated cheating accusations after American Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky's death. Naroditsky, who passed away under unclear circumstances, had spoken about the mental pressure he faced due to Kramnik's accusations. The allegations began in October 2024, when Kramnik accused Naroditsky of cheating in online chess, a claim that Naroditsky's podcast with Fabiano Caruana revealed had taken a heavy toll on his mental health. Other prominent chess players, including Wesley So, Nihal Sarin, and Arjun Erigaisi, have publicly criticized Kramnik's behavior towards Naroditsky after his death. So also expressed his skepticism about the cheating accusations. Kramnik's lawsuit against FIDE will be handled in the Court of Lausanne, with a preliminary procedure expected to last 2-3 months. His legal team will finalize the specifics of the claim, including the amount of financial compensation sought from FIDE, before filing the main claim. In the meantime, a formal request has been made to preserve evidence at FIDE headquarters.