 "American grandmaster suspended again after fresh harassment allegation, investigation underway")
American chess grandmaster Christopher Yoo has been provisionally suspended by the FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission (EDC) following a new harassment complaint. The 60-day suspension, which began on 9 May 2025, comes after a female player accused Yoo of misconduct during the Grenke Open tournament.
FIDE on Saturday issued a statement saying that the EDC has imposed a temporary suspension keeping in mind the serious nature of the case. The apex chess body also added that the 60-day suspension may be extended if the final decision is not reached before the deadline.
Yoo under investigation again
“The suspension stems from two separate complaints alleging violations of the FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Code. Case 5/2025 (A), filed by the United States Chess Federation (USCF), and an additional recent complaint – whose details and complainant remain confidential due to the sensitive nature of the allegations – are both under investigation by the EDC.”
❗️GM Christopher Yoo Temporarily Suspended by FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission❗️
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) May 9, 2025
The FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission (EDC) has announced a provisional 60-day suspension of Grandmaster Christopher Yoo, effective from May 9, 2025. This action follows the submission… pic.twitter.com/KDfQAuEfy0
This isn’t the first time Yoo has faced disciplinary action. In November 2024, the United States Chess Federation (USCF) banned him for one year after an outburst during the US Chess Championship. Yoo had stormed out of the playing hall after a loss, destroyed his scoresheet, and reportedly struck a videographer.
Following the incident, he was expelled from the tournament and banned from the Saint Louis Chess Club. Local police also filed a fourth-degree charge against him. The USCF added a five-year probation on top of the one-year suspension, lasting until 14 November 2030. However, the latest case has put him in more trouble.
Despite the US ban, Yoo recently played and won at the Sardinia World Chess Festival in Italy. International Arbiter Chris Bird pointed out the contradiction, questioning how Yoo was allowed to participate in a FIDE-rated event while under suspension. He said both FIDE and USCF had earlier agreed that the ban should apply globally.
Yoo secured a dominant victory at the Sardinia Chess Festival 2025, finishing with 7.5 points out of 9. Yoo remained undefeated throughout the event. He finished ahead of Ukrainian GM Ihor Samunenkov and Italian GM Lorenzo Lodici, who both shared second place with 7 points each.
On failing to implement Yoo’s global ban, FIDE clarified that the USCF’s request is still under investigation. The details of the most recent one are being kept private by the EDC due to the sensitive nature of the allegations.
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