"- I think we should all be a little bit more like Daniel Naroditsky." - Anna Cramling ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYmTsjSwqWw&t=102s )

This petition is not a resource for funds/donations to the family. If this is something you feel able/willing to do, see the paragraph below.

If you want to make any donations, or are able to share this around, please do: 

There is a Daniel Naroditsky Memorial Fund now being run by the Charlotte Chess Center and in close connection with his family. Please, if you have the time to look at it and share it, do that. Of course, if you're able and willing to donate, it is going to a fantastic cause. All funds raised will go towards both a scholarship program for young chess players, and an annual rapid/blitz tournament in his honor. You can find a link to a Chess.com article about it here: https://www.chess.com/news/view/naroditsky-memorial-chess-fund-announced and direct link/text option below. Being that this is now here, I have removed the section that

The Memorial Fund: https://givebutter.com/naroditsky
Text-to-give: Text DANYA to 53-555

#JusticeForDanya

A note to new and returning readers:

Added contact info for FIDE and for the town in France that has the street named after Kramnik. Please check out the very end/bottom of this petition page or the update that says "50 thousand" for that info, and send an email or post calling attention to this. If you don't want to write an email yourself, I've also added two pre-written email templates for your use, as well. 

Thank you all for your support here, and continuing to join in our efforts to stand up to FIDE and Kramnik. Besides this one, I will be adding one other new section above the actual petition itself, and below this one, so please check that out as well.

If you are new to or returning to this petition, I would like to let you know that significant changes have been made to its content. This is happening due to the overwhelming amount of information that I have progressively added to it with the idea of making it more easily accessible. Initially, any updates to the content of the petition or updates to the ongoing situation were being made in the “body” of it, but this has made everything FAR too bloated/cluttered. I started doing this simply thinking that this situation wouldn’t get this out-of-hand, and without the thought of this petition ever coming this far. This was clearly a mistake in retrospect.

Going forward, the only changes made to the body of the petition will be things like contextual updates, corrective updates, etc. so as to make this more consolidated. Also, any of the updates that were previously in the body of the petition will be removed from here and relocated. I will still make updates each time we reach future significant milestones going forward, now exclusively via the “Petition Updates”, but insofar as updating the “news” of this ongoing situation I will simply stick to only updating you all on major breakthroughs in any of the requests in this petition or anything of major significance coming from anyone involved. As far as the more minor news or changes to the situation, it seems everyone is pretty well aware of what is going on now, and everything is pretty quickly receiving coverage as it unfolds. As for any of those previous updates I mentioned that have been removed, I will be including a link to a PDF with all of their content, in the case that anyone is interested. The only parts of those updates that will remain here will be things that I feel I cannot/should not remove from the landing page of the petition, but they will be moved to the very bottom.

Aside from reading everything here, please also take a moment to check the "Petition updates". The major updates will now be sent this way exclusively, so they reach everyone by email as well as being visible there. You can find these updates by navigating to the very bottom of the page under "Petition updates" and clicking the "More updates" button, or by clicking where it says the number of updates to this petition near the top of this page (found above the words “The Issue”).

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If you are looking to improve in chess, whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced player, check out all of Danya's educational material, some of which I have linked below. These are some parts of his true legacy, which will always endure. 

His YouTube channel playlists:

https://www.youtube.com/@DanielNaroditskyGM/playlists 

His Amazon author page, where you can find the two books he wrote (Mastering Positional Chess: Practical Lessons of a Junior World Champion and Mastering Complex Endgames: Practical Lessons on Critical Ideas & Plans):

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00N875O12

Some other parts of that legacy that I want to mention are: the way he inspired others, not just to play and improve in chess, but to be honorable and virtuous as he was; the undeniable contributions he made to the game, and to those in its community; the immeasurable mark he left on those he was close to, those who play the game, and those who supported him; and his overwhelmingly kind, caring, gentle and compassionate soul. May he forever live on and be remembered through all of these things.

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Introduction

 

We, the undersigned, respectfully call upon FIDE and its Ethics and Disciplinary Commission (EDC) to take immediate and decisive action against Grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik and CEO Emil Sutovsky for conduct unbecoming of FIDE titleholders and representatives of the chess community and of FIDE. This petition arises in response to the series of public statements made by Mr. Kramnik and Mr. Sutovsky, following the tragic passing of Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, which were widely regarded as insensitive, speculative, and damaging to both the reputation of the individual and to FIDE’s standing within the global chess community. Besides these statements, this petition also arises in response to the unbelievable campaign of hatred and denigration, by people who seriously violated their ethical obligations, directed toward Daniel. This campaign spawning from continuous implications/insinuations made by Mr. Kramnik, that Daniel was engaging in cheating/foul play.

A sentiment many have echoed, including Grandmaster Wesley So: Even in a world where it came out that Daniel had in fact cheated in some capacity, the fact remains that there is no justification to ruining a “beautiful young life over a game”. This was allowed to escalate to a point that his mental health was severely impacted, with him even expressing as much on countless occasions, very publicly. The community was well aware of all of this, and this is NOT a justifiable or fair conclusion to his story, or anyone else's for that matter.

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Background

 

Starting on October 19, 2025, Vladimir Kramnik published several posts on social media questioning the circumstances of Daniel Naroditsky’s passing, suggesting unfounded and conspiratorial explanations, disparaging Daniel, his friends, his family, his honor and legacy, and seemingly insinuating/implying that Daniel was cheating. He continues to do so.

On October 22, 2025, Mr. Sutovsky published posts on social media that were highly insensitive and inappropriate, especially when considering that they came in the wake of his passing. These statements, directed at those he refers to as "alleged Danya's friends", and attacking those people by calling into question their willingness and actions to help him or care about him. He goes on to say "Virtue signaling and like-grabbing is the worst way to pay respect to Danya", seemingly implying that people speaking out in the wake of his passing don't care about what he went through.

Also, notably, Mr. Sutovsky directly acknowledges the actions/statements of Mr. Kramnik, up to and even after his passing, by stating "All these Kramnik attacks on Danya happened not this week or this month. It was not like a shocking accusation, that killed Danya overnight. It kept haunting him for more than a year, even if there was not much of polemics of recent.". In this statement, he plainly refers to the actions/statements by Mr. Kramnik as "attacks" on Daniel, also saying that they "kept haunting him for more than a year" even using the word "polemics". He also refers, by implication, to the "attacks" by Mr. Kramnik as accusations in stating "I am not talking now about stepping in when he was accused.", after questioning "where all of you were when Danya was alive and unwell?". These statements show that he saw these things as attacks on Daniel, and that he was well aware of the toll it was taking on him. In two other statements, he attempts to claim that FIDE had "never recieved any complaint from Danya. Neither formal, nor informal.", which is in direct contradiction to the aforementioned statements, the fact that Daniel was extremely public about everything happening, as well as another where he says "I acknowledge that FIDE also could and should have done better.". 

These kinds of statements should not be tolerated in any capacity, and are in clear violation of several sections within the FIDE Ethics & Disciplinary Code, which apply to all FIDE members, administrators, representatives, and everyone associated with the FIDE organization.

These comments—shared publicly leading up to, and even still, following the revelation of his passing—show a clear disregard for decency, compassion, and professionalism. In doing so, both Mr. Kramnik and Mr. Sutovsky caused harm not only to the memory of a beloved grandmaster but also to the emotional well-being of the chess community, fans, and the family of Daniel.

When a mother and father lose a son, when a community loses a member, when people lose a friend, when the world loses someone like Daniel, there should be nothing more afforded to these people besides kindness, patience, love, and understanding. If the people involved in making comments like these -those comments made by Emil and Kramnik, namely- really had any interest in honoring his memory, the vitriol, hate, and finger pointing/finger waving would not have been included. The comments and conduct that have come in the wake of this tragedy are abhorrent, insensitive, inappropriate, and they must be treated as such.

These people should be held accountable for the actions, their conduct, their comments. In the memory and honor of Daniel, a stand must be taken, and justice must be served. 

Rest in peace, Danya. Our sincerest and deepest love, sympathy, and condolences to his family, friends and loved ones. His honor and legacy will forever remain, just as he had hoped.

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Ethical and Regulatory Framework

The following sections of  FIDE’s Ethics & Disciplinary Code, found within the FIDE handbook, appear to have been violated by Mr. Kramnik’s conduct:

Part 3, Article 6, Section A: Human Dignity (Respect)

6.3: Requires all members to uphold the dignity of individuals in all interactions.

6.4: Emphasizes respect for personal privacy and sensitivity.

6.5a: Demands that members avoid harmful or defamatory statements.

6.5e: Highlights the importance of maintaining a respectful tone in public communications.

 

Part 3, Article 6, Section D: Integrity

6.10: Mandates honesty and transparency in all professional conduct and communications.

 

Part 3, Article 6, Section E: Good Faith

6.15: Requires that all actions be taken in a spirit of good faith and fairness.

6.16d: Prohibits any deceptive or misleading behavior.

 

Part 3, Article 6, Section F: Loyalty

6.18: Emphasizes the duty to remain loyal to the values and principles of the chess community.

 

Part 3, Article 6, Section H: Responsibility (Accountability)

6.24: Stresses the importance of maintaining the integrity and reputation of chess.

6.25a and 6.25b: Ensure accountability for actions that impact the community.

 

Part 3, Article 6, Section J: Communication and Transparency

6.31a: Demands clear and honest communication.

6.31c: Prohibits misleading statements.

6.31d: Requires transparency in all public statements.

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Reasoning and Harm

 

Mr. Kramnik’s and Mr. Sutovsky’s comments breached the fundamental values of empathy, fairness, and truth.

Their conduct violates the ethical expectations of FIDE titleholders, causing harm to individuals, the community, and the organization’s public image. As for Mr. Kramnik specifically, his continuous use of social media to propagate insensitive and speculative commentary erodes confidence in chess leadership and contravenes the principles of respect, integrity, and professionalism upon which FIDE is supposedly founded. As a former world champion, a figure of authority, and a titled player, Mr. Kramnik’s continuing rhetoric causes irreparable harm to these principles. As the CEO of FIDE and also a title holder, Mr. Sutovsky’s misuse of his influence amplifies the harm caused, as well as inflicting its own.

Such conduct undermines trust in FIDE’s ability to enforce its own ethical standards and threatens to normalize disrespectful behavior among players and fans.

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Call to Action and Applicable Articles

We call upon FIDE and the EDC to invoke and apply the following sections of the FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Code as the basis for disciplinary action against both Vladimir Kramnik and Emil Sutovsky:

 

Part 4, Article 10: Disciplinary or Remedial Action for Infringements of Ethical Values, Principles, and Duties

10.1 – Authorizes FIDE to take remedial or disciplinary measures against violations of ethical standards.

10.2 – Establishes that breaches of FIDE’s ethical code constitute misconduct.

10.12 – Permits corrective or educational measures when appropriate.

 

Part 4, Article 11: Disciplinary Offences

11.6a–c – Cover disrespectful, defamatory, or abusive communications toward others.

11.7b – Addresses public behavior damaging to FIDE’s image.

11.7f – Prohibits conduct contrary to fairness or respect in communication.

11.9a – Defines verbal or written attacks as disciplinary offenses.

11.9d – Forbids discriminatory or degrading speech.

11.9e – Addresses incitement of hostility or divisive behavior.

11.9i–k – Include public actions that bring FIDE, chess, or its members into disrepute.

 

Part 4, Article 12: Provisional Suspension and Other Measures

12.1a–b – Allow provisional suspension during investigation.

12.1c – Authorizes interim protective actions to prevent further harm.

12.1e–g – Empower FIDE to restrict activities, communication, or representation during proceedings.

 

Part 4, Article 13: Sanctions

13.1c–d – Permit reprimands, fines, or suspension of membership.

13.1f – Enables revocation of honorary or official titles.

13.2b–f – Define additional penalties, including bans, public disclosure of sanctions, and revocation of participation rights.

 

Part 4, Article 14: Rules for Determining Sanction

14.2 – Outlines criteria for determining severity based on harm caused and responsibility held.

14.3 – Allows consideration of aggravating factors such as leadership status and public impact.

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Requested Actions

 

Based on all points outlined within FIDE’s Ethics & Disciplinary Code, found in the FIDE handbook, we demand the following actions:

Open formal proceedings under Articles 10–14.

Suspend Mr. Kramnik and Mr. Sutovsky provisionally during the investigation (per Article 12).

Require CEO Emil Sutovsky’s resignation, or if Mr. Sutovsky is unwilling to step down, for the EDC to forcibly remove him from his position.

Revoke the titles of both, up to and including  Mr. Kramnik’s World Champion status, in response to these clear violations and conduct unbecoming of those representing FIDE and the chess community (per Article 13.1f).

Publicly affirm FIDE’s commitment to ethical standards and respectful communication in the global chess community, and publicly condemn the actions/statements of both Mr. Kramnik and Mr. Sutovsky. As well as make a charitable donation in the name of Daniel, to a cause/organization/chess club chosen by his family or fully or partially subsidize any charity/organization/chess club that arises in honor of him (as confirmed by his family). Doing this as a gesture of good will, sympathy, and showing the intention to move forward ethically and honorably.

Besides the above requests, we also call on the town hall and mayor of Asnières-sur-Seine, France, to change the name of the street called "Rue Vladimir Kramnik" to "Rue Daniel Naroditsky" in honor of his memory and legacy. The best means I have found of voicing this to the relevant decision makers is via the following:

The contact page of the town hall: https://asnieres-sur-seine.fr/contact 

The email addresses associated with the town hall: info@mairieasnieres.fr and cabinetdumaire@mairieasnieres.fr

The X (Twitter) handles for the town hall and mayor: @Ville_Asnieres and @maeschlimann

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Conclusion

 

We, the undersigned, believe that the statements made by Vladimir Kramnik and Emil Sutovsky constitute a grave ethical breach and demand that FIDE uphold its own standards through firm disciplinary measures. FIDE’s decisive and transparent response will reaffirm its dedication to integrity, accountability, and the upholding of its ethical principles.

Chess is a game that is supposed to be built on respect, intellect, and integrity. Vladimir Kramnik’s aforementioned and continuing conduct clearly violates these principles, as does his past conduct/comments. The same can be said of the actions/statements from Emil Sutovsky.

When chess’ most visible figures disregard these values, decisive action must be taken to preserve the honor of the sport, and to offer respect and dignity to all.

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Examples of Statements Made

 

Examples of statements made by Vladimir Kramnik that this petition refers to:

One that I would like to first highlight, aside from the statements linked below, is his “Official Statement” in which he claims that he has “never made any personal attack or insult towards Daniel Naroditsky”, and in a the same statement seemingly attempts to insinuate or accuse Daniel of violating fair play rules by stating “My private and public requests, made a year ago, for a review of Grandmaster Naroditsky’s compliance with fair play rules was ignored, despite a significant amount of evidence, only part of which was published, supporting the validity of this request. I have always been and remain ready to provide these materials to any relevant authority.”. See this link for this official statement: https://x.com/VBkramnik/status/1982051209302384843

 

Other examples of statements by Mr. Kramnik:

https://x.com/VBkramnik/status/1979461472704208995

https://x.com/VBkramnik/status/1979721559817572674

https://x.com/VBkramnik/status/1979719646099161454

https://x.com/VBkramnik/status/1979865351346401505

https://x.com/VBkramnik/status/1980160897663553809

https://x.com/VBkramnik/status/1980335895720104288

https://x.com/VBkramnik/status/1980347650995335340

https://x.com/VBkramnik/status/1981257207917187291

https://x.com/VBkramnik/status/1981301215997940046

https://x.com/VBkramnik/status/1982191689709068790

 

Examples of the statements made by Emil Sutovsky that this petition refers to:

https://x.com/EmilSutovsky/status/1980918888519864800

https://x.com/EmilSutovsky/status/1981023360197730338

https://x.com/EmilSutovsky/status/1981064481649123504

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Below will be any additional information, some parts of updates that were removed from this page, and any other things that I feel as though I must not or should not leave out of the main petition body.

 

- I would like to address something that is happening alongside this movement for consequences and change. Please, hear this, and take it to heart. Although a life has been cut short, and people are rightfully hurt, there is absolutely no reason, excuse or justification for violence, death threats, or anything of the sort. Period. Regardless of anything we are asking for as just consequences to actions, or as change going forward to protect people, the community, etc., we must also stand by the fact that NO ONE should experience any of these things. I am saying this as a response to anyone who has been making death threats to anyone or saying extreme things to/about anyone who is involved, or anyone that associates with them. This cannot, and should not happen, and people should be openly willing to voice against that just the same. No matter how much this has impacted you, the only way forward is to act in the same fashion that we are calling on FIDE to begin acting, and that is with the kind of ethical standards they should be expected to hold. We HAVE to be careful not to let ourselves get so caught up in this that we risk people getting hurt, and we have to be willing to call this out, as well.

Regardless of what anyone has said or done, whether or not you hate them for it, or whether or not you believe a claim that they too are a victim, we should only be speaking out with love, fairness, and calls for justice. We have to stay focused on holding people accountable, definitely, but also to look for and be the positive change we want going forward. We can most effectively accomplish all these things by not lowering ourselves to their level or by justifying or participating in these kinds of actions, but instead, by standing above it.

 

- Link to the PDF containing removed updates that were previously contained in the body of this petition: https://smallpdf.com/file#s=50bb36eb-7af5-41a5-898c-847f8b4140cc

- FIDE’s only responses on the matter, thus far, which don’t include anything about the statements published by Emil Sutovsky, its CEO: https://x.com/FIDE_chess/status/1981073371145109768
http://ethics.fide.com/2025/10/28/statement-by-the-ethics-disciplinary-commission-re-gm-daniel-naroditsky/

 

- A cut of Daniel talking about how Kramnik’s actions were affecting him, in the event that anyone still questions how much this impacted him, even when some of the final moments we have of him were talking about this:
(A note that this video is cut from a longer video from Dina Belenkaya interviewing Daniel which is linked here: https://youtu.be/HHPp1RgRUj0?si=aUvY3en_z1JwHCMf with the start of the edit below being at 2:04:18 in this full interview.)

https://youtu.be/1BLH_3xhRDM?si=Z8eINzfEkicFxhHA This is the edited cut of Daniel talking about Kramnik.

 

- All references to the Ethics & Disciplinary Code can be found within the FIDE Handbook. The code within the handbook linked here:

https://handbook.fide.com/files/handbook/EthicsAndDisciplinaryCode2022.pdf

 

- Please, keep posting to any social media platform you can, and spreading the word of this injustice. Also, keep asking for action from FIDE, as well as from the town of Asnières-sur-Seine, France. I have linked below some other means by which you can reach out to FIDE and the town of Asnières-sur-Seine. If you don’t want to go through the effort of writing an email of your own, I have provided two email templates for anyone to use alongside the contact info for both.

Contact FIDE:

office@fide.com
ethics@fide.com
edc.chair@fide.com

Contact Asnières-sur-Seine and its mayor:

X (Twitter) handles -  @Ville_Asnieres  and  @maeschlimann
Contact Us page -  https://asnieres-sur-seine.fr/contact
Email addresses -  info@mairieasnieres.fr  and  cabinetdumaire@mairieasnieres.fr

Pre-written email templates:

Email to FIDE -  https://smallpdf.com/file#s=c92fe2e2-7c2b-478e-af4d-3a0a4d99c6de

Email to Asnières-sur-Seine and its mayor -  https://smallpdf.com/file#s=17248725-1c7b-4bfc-b52f-ec1c14eff50c