GM Christopher Yoo suspended by FIDE Ethics Commission
FIDE Ethics Commission has finally acted on the case of GM Christopher Yoo. After losing his game of round 5 from the US Chess Championship, GM Christopher Yoo destroyed his scoresheet, stormed out of the playing hall, “and struck a videographer from behind”. The Saint Louis chess club and the organizers of the US Championship did not approve of the reaction of Christopher Yoo and expelled him from the US Championship. As of now Christopher Yoo is banned from the Saint Louis Chess Club, suspended from the US Chess Federation, with 4th degree charges by the Saint Louis police.
IA Chris Bird noted that there must have been a mistake in the communication between US Chess Federation and the FIDE Ethics commission, as GM Christopher Yoo is played a FIDE rated event in Europe. IA Chris Bird explains, “I see GM Christopher Yoo is playing FIDE rated chess in Sardinia. This is 7 months before his 1 year US Chess Federation suspension is due to expire! Both US Chess and FIDE Ethics had previously agreed to extend this imposed sanction to have a worldwide effect, but apparently that didn’t happen. At the moment it is unclear who dropped the ball on this. I have contacted both but so far with no response, so it seems they are both currently fine with him not playing in the USA, but fine for him to be a potential safe play risk anywhere else in the world.”
Timeline of the Christopher Yoo case
16.10.2024 Christopher Yoo – Fabiano Caruana round 5 game
16.10.2024 Christopher Yoo is expelled from the US Championship and banned from St Louis Chess Club
17.10.2024 Chris Bird, “The punch by Christopher Yoo was completely unprovoked, from behind and in no way accidental”
17.10.2024 USCF suspends Christopher Yoo
17.10.2024 WICF with a statement on the assault of a videographer by GM Christopher Yoo
17.10.2024 Christopher Yoo is charged with fourth-degree assault by the St. Louis police
17.10.2024 Levon Aronian: Christopher Yoo’s punch was well prepared against an innocent person
18.10.2024 Vasif Durarbayli on the Christopher Yoo case
18.10.2024 Chris Bird: To anyone saying Christopher Yoo was somehow provoked by the victim, stop it
19.10.2024 Levon Aronian, “Young people should understand that terrible decisions leave a lasting impact”
20.10.2024 Christopher Yoo parents issue an apology
21.10.2024 Christopher Yoo issues personal apology
28.04.2025 IA Chris Bird: “It is unclear who dropped the ball on GM Christopher Yoo, but he is playing in Europe”
03.05.2025 Christopher Yoo wins Sardinia
Statement by the FIDE Ethics Commission
GM Christopher Yoo has been temporarily suspended by FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission. The FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission (EDC) has announced a provisional 60-day suspension of Grandmaster Christopher Yoo, effective from May 9, 2025. This action follows the submission of a second complaint alleging harassment, currently under preliminary review.
The suspension stems from two separate complaints alleging violations of the FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Code. Case 5/2025 (A), filed by the United States Chess Federation (USCF), and an additional recent complaint – whose details and complainant remain confidential due to the sensitive nature of the allegations – are both under investigation by the EDC.
On November 14, 2024, the US Chess Federation imposed a one-year ban prohibiting GM Christopher Yoo from participating in tournaments under the auspices of USCF. This sanction also includes a five-year probationary period extending through November 14, 2030.
Under Article 26.12 of the FIDE Charter, national sanctions may be extended internationally if a member federation requests it and if the decision complies with fundamental legal principles and fair trial standards. In line with this, the USCF formally submitted a request for FIDE to recognize and globally enforce its ban, pursuant to Article 4.15 of the FIDE Ethics Code. This request remains under investigation.
Given the gravity of the allegations and the ongoing proceedings, the Chair of the EDC has enacted a temporary suspension of GM Yoo to safeguard the integrity of the investigative process. Both GM Yoo and the USCF have been formally notified of this decision. The suspension may be extended if a final resolution is not reached within the initial 60-day period.
This decision aligns with FIDE’s commitment to safeguarding everyone involved in chess and sends a clear message about the importance of fostering a respectful environment for the entire chess community, regardless of gender, age, or status.