Vladimir Kramnik announced today on his X account that he has filed a lawsuit against the World Chess Federation before a Swiss civil court. The 14th World Chess Champion attached a video in which he comments while personally dropping the statement of claim into the mailbox of FIDE’s headquarters in Lausanne. Kramnik did not disclose any details about the substance of the lawsuit, limiting himself to explaining the formal procedures of the Swiss judicial system in civil cases. The first step involves an application for the preservation of evidence. Once the defendant – in this case the World Chess Federation – has been informed of the lawsuit, it is obliged to preserve all documents, correspondence, electronic records and other materials that could be relevant to the case, and may neither alter, delete nor destroy them.

In a report on Worldchess, it is suggested that with this lawsuit Kramnik is launching a counteroffensive against the World Chess Federation after FIDE’s Ethics and Disciplinary Commission had opened proceedings against him.

In the past, the former world champion has repeatedly complained about what he believed to be computer-assisted cheating in online tournaments and attempted to substantiate these claims using statistical analyses. Several players felt personally attacked and defamed as a result. The death of Daniel Naroditsky, who passed away in October, was linked on social media to Kramnik’s attacks. The 29-year-old Naroditsky had spoken in his final stream about the severe psychological strain caused by Kramnik’s allegations. He was found dead the following day. The cause of death is unknown. Kramnik was accused by various parties of having contributed to Naroditsky’s death. David Navara also spoke out publicly after attacks by Kramnik and reported having had suicidal thoughts.

Kramnik has rejected all accusations, speaking of a “campaign” and “harassment” directed against him. He is now apparently seeking financial compensation from FIDE.

What is unusual is that Kramnik filed his lawsuit with a civil court rather than with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which normally adjudicates disputes in the sports domain.