FIDE’s Fair-Play Commission forms the investigatory panel for the Carlsen – Niemann controversy
After 19-year-old American grandmaster Hans Niemann defeated Magnus Carlsen in the third round of the Sinquefield Cup 2022, the World Chess Champion decided to withdraw from the event. Rumors that Magnus Carlsen suspected Niemann was cheating started spreading over social medias and the “Carlsen – Niemann” controversy is the top news in mass medias ever since. Two weeks later, Magnus refused to play against Hans Niemann at the Julius Baer Generation Cup and resigned his game after only two played moves. After weeks of silence, Magnus Carlsen published the official statement on the case saying that he believes Niemann cheated more – and more recently – than he has publicly admitted.
Top grandmasters and chess journalists asked FIDE to react on the case. Hikaru Nakamura and Daniel Naroditsky concluded on the stream that it’s very tricky that online chess platforms for playing don’t have any agreements with FIDE, and that there should be clear communication between the main online servers and FIDE on the matter of cheating. English chess master Leonard Barden, The Guardian’s chess columnist, asked FIDE to step in, while GM Nigel Davies stated that the FIDE Ethics Commission should act. International Chess Federation published the official statement on the case which says that FIDE is prepared to task its Fair Play commission with a thorough investigation of the incident.
In the press release given today, FIDE announces to form an investigatory panel for the Carlsen-Niemann controversy. Three members of the FIDE Fair-Play Commission will form the panel with the possibility to call external experts for consultation. The focus of investigation will be to check Magnus Carlsen’s claims of alleged cheating by Niemann and Niemann’s self-statement regarding online cheating. See the complete announcement below
“Following the recent developments in the Carlsen-Niemann controversy, FIDE’s Fair Play Commission (FPL) has decided to act ex-officio and create an Investigatory Panel (IP). Three members of the Commission will form this panel, and it will also have the possibility to call for a consultation with external experts wherever analysis is required.
The focus of the investigation would be twofold: checking the World Champion’s claims of alleged cheating by Niemann and Niemann’s self-statement regarding online cheating.
As stated by Fair Play Chairperson Salomeja Zaksaite, the FPL is ready to examine the circumstances, compile and analyze all the data and evidence available, and ascertain the facts and allegations that have been made public. The panel will ensure a fair ruling, protecting the rights of both parties during the investigation.
“In the best interest of the chess community, we would kindly ask the public to refrain from speculations on the outcomes and potential sanctions until all available facts are well considered, and a proper investigation is finalized,” added Mrs Zaksaite.”
The timetable of events related to the Carlsen – Niemann case: