CNN
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An investigation is to be launched following allegations of cheating made by world chess champion Magnus Carlsen, the sport’s world governing body FIDE announced on Thursday.
On Monday, Carlsen accused fellow grandmaster Hans Niemann of cheating, saying his rival’s “all-round progress has been unusual.”
This was after Carlsen pulled out of the Sinquefield Cup earlier this month following a loss to Niemann and then pulled out of their next game against the American after making just one move at the Julius Baer Generation Cup .
“He wasn’t uptight or even fully focused on playing in critical positions, while outplaying me as a black guy in a way that I think only a handful of players can do,” Carlsen said of his loss to Niemann in the Sinquefield Cup.
Niemann admitted to cheating in online chess when he was 12 and 16, but insists he never cheated in over-the-board games.
FIDE’s Fair Play Commission (FPL) has launched a three-member inquiry committee to look into Carlsen’s allegations and Niemann’s statement about online cheating.
“In the best interests of the chess community, we ask the public to refrain from speculating on the outcome and potential penalties until all available facts are fully considered and a proper investigation is finalized. “, said Salomeja Zaksaite, president of the FPL. .
According to FIDE, the panel has the possibility of requesting consultations with external experts if necessary.
“The FPL stands ready to review the circumstances, compile and analyze all available data and evidence, and verify the facts and allegations that have been made public,” a statement from the federation said.
“The panel will ensure a fair decision, protecting the rights of both parties during the investigation.”
CNN has already contacted Niemann and Carlsen about the cheating allegations.
Speaking to CNN earlier this week, FIDE chief executive Emil Sutovsky called cheating a “massive problem” in online chess, but added that over-the-board games have long been a challenge. place measures to detect cheating.
“It started with all kinds of scanners and checks — and it’s not like the metal scanners you use at airports,” Sutovsky said.
“We also use them, but they are only part of a bigger picture. We use non-linear scanners, we use delays in scattering to minimize the chances [of cheating], [and] we use fair play officers who physically monitor what the players are doing.
