Magnus Carlsen was found guilty and is fined with €10k
Author: Maria Fragaki
Magnus Carlsen was found guilty by the FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission for withdrawing from the 2022 Sinquefield Cup without valid reason or without informing the tournament arbiter, and is fined with €10,000.
In case you don’t know the story already, Magnus Carlsen lost to Hans Niemann in Round 3 of the 2022 Sinquefield Cup, withdrew from the tournament, and accused Niemann of cheating. A few months later the American GM filed a lawsuit against Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, Chesscom, the Play Magnus Group, and Daniel Rensch, seeking at least $100 million for slander, libel, unlawful group boycott under the Sherman Act (a anti-monopoly law), tortious interference with contract and business expectancies, and civil conspiracy. The lawsuit was dismissed on specific grounds by federal courts, yet unresolved issues left room for potential litigation. Instead, the parties opted for negotiations, leading to an out-of-court settlement.
But the story is not over. The FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission Chamber received a report on February 20th, 2023, concerning GM Magnus Carlsen alleging unfounded accusations and other misconduct in relation to the Hans Niemann affair, in potential violation of various FIDE Ethics & Disciplinary Codes.
Today the decision was made:
- Magnus Carlsen was found not guilty for reckless or manifestly unfounded accusation of chess cheating.
- Magnus Carlsen was found not guilty for the attempt to undermine honour.
- Magnus Carlsen was found not guilty for the disparagement of FIDE´s Reputation and Interest.
- Magnus Carlsen was found guilty for withdrawing from a tournament without valid reason or without informing the tournament arbiter, and is fined with €10,000.
