\n<\/p>\n
BILLINGS, Mont. — <\/span>The international governing body for chess on Friday suspended former world champion Vladimir Kramnik<\/a> for at least a year after he leveled unproven allegations of cheating against fellow players, including Daniel Naroditsky<\/a>, who died last year<\/a> at age 29.<\/p>\n Kramnik accused Naroditsky of cheating last year and continued to share suspicions on social media. Naroditsky, a prodigious chess player and American grandmaster who helped usher in the game\u2019s online boom with educational YouTube videos and livestreams, denied the allegations.<\/p>\n Kramnik said in an email to The Associated Press that he plans to appeal the suspension.<\/p>\n \u201cI am absolutely confident that this unlawful verdict will ultimately be overturned, and I intend to pursue all necessary instances to the very end in order to restore justice and, in particular, my reputation,\u201d Kramnik said in a social media post.<\/p>\n The chess federation said Kramnik publicly alleged cheating without \u201cadequate evidentiary support,\u201d violating its rules against cyber bullying.<\/p>\n The federation said combating cheating was one of its priorities, but that allegations must be addressed through its procedures and supported by appropriate evidence.<\/p>\n \u201cHe exposed identifiable players to unjustified reputational harm and undermined the safeguards established by the disciplinary framework,\u201d federation representatives said in their decision.<\/p>\n Naroditsky was found dead<\/a> at his North Carolina home in October. He was killed by an abnormal heartbeat caused by an accidental overdose, according to a toxicology report<\/a>. <\/p>\n Naroditsky had said before his death that Kramnik\u2019s allegations had taken a toll on him.<\/p>\n \u201cEver since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst of intentions. The issue is just the lingering effect of it,\u201d Naroditsky said in his last livestream before his death.<\/p>\n Kramnik called Naroditsky\u2019s death a tragedy. He said there had been a cynical campaign to link him to Naroditsky’s death without any factual basis.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n