FIDE extends sanction against GM Christopher Yoo worldwide

by ChessBase
7/2/2025 – FIDE's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission has confirmed that the one-year suspension imposed by the United States Chess Federation on GM Christopher Yoo will now apply globally. The sanction, effective from 15 November 2024 to 14 November 2025, follows an incident at the US Chess Championship involving physical assault. GM Yoo is barred from all FIDE-rated events during this period and will remain under a five-year probation through 2030. | Photo: Niklesh Jain / ChessBase India
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Press release by FIDE

The FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission (EDC) Appeal Chamber has rendered its final decision in Case 05/2025(A), extending the disciplinary sanction imposed by the United States Chess Federation (USCF) against GM Christopher Yoo to a worldwide level.

Following a request from the USCF, FIDE has determined that the one-year suspension issued by the USCF – effective from November 15, 2024, to November 14, 2025 – shall now apply globally. During this period, GM Yoo is barred from participating in any FIDE-rated events.

This follows a disciplinary process arising from an incident at the US Chess Championship, where GM Yoo physically assaulted a member of the broadcast team. The EDC Appeal Chamber concluded that the USCF's investigation and sanction were conducted fairly and in line with due process.

In addition, GM Yoo will be subject to a five-year probation period through November 14, 2030. Any similar misconduct during this time may lead to further disciplinary action.

The full decision can be found here:
ethics.fide.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Case_05_2025A_decision_final.pdf

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