 "Vladimir Kramnik takes FIDE to court over claims he harassed players with cheating allegations: 'Human language didn't work'")
Russian chess legend Vladimir Kramnik has taken legal action against the world chess governing body FIDE, filing a defamation case in a Swiss civil court in Lausanne. The former world champion confirmed that he has initiated legal proceedings after being investigated by FIDE for harassing fellow players with unsubstantiated cheating allegations.
https://t.co/848QblKamo
— Vladimir Kramnik (@VBkramnik) December 31, 2025
Human language didnt work
The language of law became unavoidable, unfortunately
My open letter from June
Part 1 pic.twitter.com/HEtSNQapzr
Kramnik said he decided to sue FIDE after facing what he called relentless public attacks from players and officials. The situation escalated after FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky strongly criticised Kramnik’s allegations against American Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, who died by suicide under unknown circumstances, calling them “appalling and outright shameful”.
What’s the case?
Naroditsky, who was just 29 years old, passed away in October 2025, with the exact cause of death still unknown. However, during his final livestream, Naroditsky had spoken openly about being under severe mental stress. He mentioned that the pressure came from ongoing cheating allegations made against him online, including those by Kramnik. Several players later linked the online abuse to Naroditsky’s declining mental health and his subsequent death.
The controversy did not stop there. Czech Grandmaster David Navara also said that he felt distressed and even suicidal after Kramnik accused him of cheating online. These statements led to widespread criticism of Kramnik within the chess community. However, Kramnik has repeatedly maintained that his claims were based on data and analysis and were not made without reason.
Announcing the legal action on social media, Kramnik said that the case has officially entered a preliminary phase, which is mandatory under Swiss procedural rules. This stage is expected to last two to three months and is meant to prepare the ground for the main court proceedings.
“I have initiated formal legal proceedings against FIDE in accordance with Swiss law in the Court of Lausanne. Under the applicable Swiss procedural rules, an obligatory preliminary procedure must first take place. This phase typically lasts 2-3 months. While certain interim decisions may be issued by the court already during this preliminary stage, its primary purpose is to prepare the ground for the main legal proceedings that will follow,” Kramnik posted on Tuesday.
“The specific legal provisions of the Swiss Code on which the claim is based, as well as the exact amount of financial compensation sought from FIDE, will be finalized and specified by my legal team immediately prior to filing the main claim. Additionally, a formal request for the preservation of evidence has been personally delivered to the FIDE headquarters today.”
New times, new procedures pic.twitter.com/NpY5R5pxaz
— Vladimir Kramnik (@VBkramnik) December 30, 2025
A morning selfi with my FIDE novel before leaving it for approapriate reader in Court pic.twitter.com/zVkFMxSEg7
— Vladimir Kramnik (@VBkramnik) December 30, 2025
The former world champion also criticised top players who publicly blamed him for the controversy. He had named GM Hikaru Nakamura in a letter he posted in June last year. Kramnik said that while many players “named and shamed” him, none were willing to apologise or retract their statements even after he presented what he believes is evidence supporting his position.
In a recent exchange on social media, Kramnik also confirmed that his legal battles are not limited to FIDE. Responding to a user, he said that he is also suing Chess.com and David Navara, though he acknowledged that the process will take time due to cross-country legal jurisdictions.
Current world number one Magnus Carlsen and Indian GM Nihal Sarin were also among the big-name players who criticised Kramnik during the row.
 "Trump announces 25% tariff on Iran’s trading partners. How India may be affected")
 "India, US to resume BTA talks after 5 months as Gor pushes for trade deal with 'real friends'")
 "ICC sources rubbish Bangladesh sports adviser’s sensational claim of BCB being asked to drop Mustafizur")
 "Jerome Powell: The 'Fed chair with a spine' taking on Trump")
 "Trump announces 25% tariff on Iran’s trading partners. How India may be affected")
 "India, US to resume BTA talks after 5 months as Gor pushes for trade deal with 'real friends'")
 "ICC sources rubbish Bangladesh sports adviser’s sensational claim of BCB being asked to drop Mustafizur")
 "Jerome Powell: The 'Fed chair with a spine' taking on Trump")
