BILLINGS — The international governing body for chess suspended former world champion Vladimir Kramnik for at least one year in July 2026. The suspension follows Kramnik's allegations of cheating against fellow players, including American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, which began in early 2025. The chess federation stated that Kramnik publicly alleged cheating without "adequate evidentiary support." Federation representatives said, "He exposed identifiable players to unjustified reputational harm and undermined the safeguards established by the disciplinary framework." The federation added that Kramnik violated its rules against cyberbullying.

Kramnik continued to share suspicions of cheating on social media after his initial accusations. Naroditsky denied the cheating allegations. Naroditsky created educational YouTube videos and livestreams and remarked on the impact of the accusations, stating, "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst of intentions." He added, "The issue is just the lingering effect of it." Kramnik stated in an email that he plans to appeal the suspension. "I am absolutely confident that this unlawful verdict will ultimately be overturned, and I intend to pursue all necessary instances to the very end in order to restore justice and, in particular, my reputation," Kramnik said. Kramnik called Naroditsky's death a tragedy and stated there had been a campaign to link him to Naroditsky's death without any factual basis. The chess federation's statements indicate that combating cheating is one of its priorities. It also stated that allegations of cheating must be addressed through its established procedures and supported by appropriate evidence.