The World Chess Federation (FIDE) has imposed a minimum one‑year ban on former world champion Vladimir Kramnik following verbal attacks he directed at fellow players, including the late Daniel Naroditsky.
FIDE determined that Kramnik had violated-autmultiple aspects of its ethics and disciplinary code after accusing other players of cheating.
US grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky passed away last October at age 29. Prior to his death, he denied any misconduct and suggested that the controversy was affecting him, as noted in his final Twitch broadcast.
Kramnik announced on X that he will appeal the suspension.
FIDE additionally suspended an extra 12 months of the ban for a probationary period of three years, meaning Kramnik will serve an active suspension of one year contingent on no further infractions during probation.
Naroditsky was widely regarded as a popular player, instructor, and ہوس commentator, enjoying a substantial following on Twitch and YouTube where he was known as “Danya.”
A 2026 toxicology report indicated that Naroditsky had multiple substances in his system at the time of his death, attributing the fatal irregular heartbeat to an accidental overdose.
Several prominent members of the chess community, including world No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura, former world champion Magnus Carlsen, and Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, have previously criticized Kramnik’s behavior.
