Ukrainian chess player was disqualified for three years for cheating

Ukrainian chess player Kirill Shevchenko has been disqualified for three years (one suspended) for cheating at the Spanish team championship. The relevant decision of the Ethics and Discipline Commission (EDC) of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) was published on March 26 on the organization's website.

"There were no significant statistical deviations in the player's results during this tournament compared to his usual rating indicators. The EDC commission found that Grandmaster Shevchenko had indeed hidden his phone in the toilet at the team championship," the publication says.

The chess player admitted this, but noted that in fact his actions did not affect the game. The disciplinary Commission took into account the mitigating circumstances presented by Shevchenko, emphasizing his cooperation with the investigation and admission of guilt.

Since the grandmaster was removed from the Spanish championship on October 14 last year and has not participated in sporting events since, he will be disqualified until October 18, 2026, and the suspension will end on October 18, 2027.

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In December 2024, Norwegian chess player Magnus Carlsen, who was disqualified by FIDE for violating the dress code at the Rapid World Championship, said that the sports federation had no right to set its own rules. The former world chess champion noted that he no longer intends to participate in tournaments under the auspices of FIDE.