In a striking move, over 11,000 chess enthusiasts have rallied together to demand disciplinary action against Vladimir Kramnik, petitioning for his ban and the removal of his titles in the aftermath of Daniel Naroditsky’s tragic death.

This online petition, which has been directed to FIDE’s Ethics and Disciplinary Commission, alleges that Kramnik, the former chess world champion, has violated several sections of the organization’s ethical standards. The petition criticizes him for what it describes as ‘insensitive, speculative, and damaging’ behavior.

Following Naroditsky’s untimely passing, the petition on Change.org has gained momentum, urging FIDE to investigate Kramnik’s actions formally. It suggests that if ethical breaches are confirmed, Kramnik’s honorary titles should be reconsidered and potentially revoked.

Naroditsky was discovered deceased at his residence in Charlotte, North Carolina, after a disturbing final broadcast that revealed him in a state of distress.

Vladimir Kramnik, who gained fame for defeating Garry Kasparov in London in 2000 and holding the world champion title for seven years, has in recent years been at the center of controversy. He has frequently accused fellow chess professionals, including Naroditsky, of cheating by using computer assistance during online matches, though these claims have often lacked evidence.

More than 11,000 chess fans have signed a petition demanding Vladimir Kramnik be banned and stripped of his titles following the death of Daniel Naroditsky

Naroditsky was one of the main targets of Kramnik, repeatedly accused by the former champion of using computer assistance during online matches

Naroditsky was one of the main targets of that campaign, repeatedly accused by Kramnik of using computer assistance during online matches.

The allegations were dismissed across the chess community as baseless, but those close to Naroditsky said they caused him immense distress.

Kramnik denies any bullying or personal attacks and has announced plans to sue FIDE, accusing the governing body of smearing him and mishandling the issue.

In the days since Naroditsky’s death, the backlash against the Russian grandmaster has been overwhelming.

World No 2 Hikaru Nakamura said Kramnik could ‘go f*** himself and rot in hell’, while Magnus Carlsen reflected that ‘the way he was going after Naroditsky was horrible’.

Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin warned that respected figures spreading unfounded claims can ‘create immense pressure and pain’, adding that ‘real lives are destroyed’.

The petition’s authors accuse Kramnik of violating FIDE’s principles of dignity, integrity and respect.    

They call for immediate disciplinary proceedings and provisional suspension, warning that ‘when chess’s most visible figures disregard these values, decisive action must be taken to preserve the honour of the sport’.

The lengthy Change.org petition calls on FIDE to open formal proceedings into Kramnik

The backlash against Kramnik has been overwhelming, with world No 2 Hikaru Nakamura saying the Russian could ‘go f*** himself and rot in hell’

FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich has confirmed that Kramnik’s conduct will be referred to the organisation’s ethics and disciplinary committee, which has the power to issue suspensions or lifetime bans. 

He said the case would be handled urgently following what he described as an ‘appalling’ episode for world chess.

Kramnik has continued posting online since the controversy escalated. ‘I have contacted the Charlotte police Department and asked them to investigate the death of Daniel, providing them some additional info,’ he wrote earlier this week. 

He later added: ‘Already hundred such criminal acts, received, legal team informing the police, letter to the Criminal Court getting ready in few hours.’

Naroditsky’s mother told Mail Sport: ‘There was nothing more important to Daniel than his dignity and his name as a chess player. 

The whole world was on Daniel’s side. He played more and did more and more because he was trying to prove that he’s not what he was accused of.’

Police in Charlotte have confirmed to Mail Sport that an investigation remains active, though no further details have been disclosed.   

FIDE’s chief executive Emil Sutovsky has criticised what he called the ‘vigilante’ approach to cheating accusations, arguing that disciplinary channels must replace social-media speculation.

Naroditsky, a California native and Stanford graduate who won junior and youth tournaments as a child, made a splash in the chess world which allowed him to publish a book titled ‘Mastering Positional Chess’ when he was just 14

Naroditsky’s impact on chess extended far beyond competition. A former world Under 12 champion, published author and Stanford graduate, he was admired for his articulate commentary and generosity toward younger players. 

His instructional videos have been viewed millions of times, inspiring a generation of online learners.