While the cause of death of chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky has not been revealed, the chess community is calling for Vladimir Kramnik’s title to be removed. The petition has since reached over 40 thousands signatures.
In the Change.org petition, fans are calling for the FIDE to remove all of Kramnik’s titles and norms and hand him a ban. This is a result of the ongoing investigation into the Russian grandmaster’s claims that Naroditsky cheated in online chess tournaments.
Many speculate the aggressive social media campaign against Naroditsky had some effect on the sudden death of the 29-year-old. Kramnik has since claimed he saw no wrongdoing in his accusations and has publicly shared his suspicions online.
Police are currently awaiting the results of a toxicology report, with speculation that death by suicide cannot be ruled out. Naroditsky was found dead on Oct. 19 after fellow grandmaster Oleksandr Bortnyk went to check on him after losing contact.
Many noted his recent change in demeanor and appearance in his last Twitch stream, which has since been taken down.
Naroditsky’s mother has broken her silence on her son’s death, calling out the Russian grandmaster’s slander of cheating.
“Daniel tried to defend himself so much. The whole world was on Daniel’s side,” Naroditsky’s mother said.
“He played more and did more and more because he was trying to prove that he’s not what he was accused of.”
The petition states that whether or not Naroditsky did cheat in some capacity, “there is no justification to ruining a ‘beautiful young life over a game.'” It also calls for Asnières-sur-Seine, France, to rename “Rue Vladimir Kramnik” to “Rue Daniel Naroditsky,” replacing the street currently honoring Kramnik.
FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich has spoken about the chess grandmaster’s death and revealed that he and FIDE will look into all public statements made by Kramnik. They will also be passed on to the FIDE “Ethics and Disciplinary Commission for independent consideration.”
