Drama! Fid Slams Vladimir Kramik’s defamation suit against David Navara: ‘The chess does a lot of damage to the community’. Chess news
In a strong word statement, the International Chess Federation (FID) has extended the controversies involving former world champion GM Vladimir Kramnik and Czech GM David Navara, expressing deep concern over the decline and requested to return mutual honors within the chess community.Fide reiterated its commitment to fair games in both over-the-board and online formats, acknowledging the increasing influence of online platforms in shaping modern chess. The governing body confirmed the formation of a dedicated task force to review the statistical methods proposed by Cramanic to detect potential cheating. Fid has invited Kramnic to present his data for official evaluation, but warned that their public comment is harmful.“We are seriously worried that the way Mr. Cremanic performs his marks, he causes a lot of damage to the chess community,” the statement said. “Coming from the former world champion, it can be ruined for career and the good of some players.”Fide GM stood firmly behind David Navara, described him as a player with “Paragon of Fair Play” and “great sensitivity and integrity”. The organization emphasized that Navara is especially weak for reputed losses and psychological stress due to public allegations.The controversy reached new heights, when Kremanik filed a civil defamation suit in Geneva, not only against Navara, but also against Chase.com and News Outlet Chess, after public clashes on online cheating allegations. In response, the respected Armenian GM Levon Aaronian published a emotional open letter to Kremanik, arguing for harmony and reflection.“Dear Vladimir Kramnik, forgive me to publicly addressed me,” Aaronian wrote. Describing Kramnik as one of his “chess parents”, Aaronian recalled the flexibility of Kramnik and his praise for talent – but urged him to rethink the legal path. “You are fighting your own demons,” he said.Echoing that feeling, Fid concluded his statement by urging the Kramnic to withdraw the case: “We fully expect that GM Kramnic will take this morally appropriate steps, which we believe that we will be welcomed by the world of widespread chess.”
