Official Statement of Hetman GKS Katowice Chess Club of support of David Navara
In a brave public act, David Navara explains in details what he went through after the baseless allegations of Kramnik. Navara describes the emotional torture by Kramnik’s allegations, the silence of FIDE, their posterior inadequate reaction and total disregard on basic FIDE ethical and moral values.
Hetman GKS Katowice Chess Club, for which David Navara has played on multiple occasions in the past 20 years, says in an official statement, “Hetman GKS Katowice Chess Club, a nine-time Polish Team Chess Champion, hereby expresses its strong protest against the conduct of Mr. Vladimir Kramnik, former World Chess Champion, towards our leading player, Grandmaster David Navara, who has represented our club with distinction for over twenty years. Any direct or indirect insinuation that a player supports or engages in chess activity in violation of fair play principles constitutes a grave accusation that should never be made lightly. […] Hetman GKS Katowice Chess Club stands firmly behind Grandmaster David Navara, and will continue to support him — both in his professional chess career and in any other forum where he may be compelled to defend his good name and principles against unjust allegations.” Read the full statement below.
Keti Tsatsalashvili, a prominent member of Hetman GKS Katowice Chess Club says, “I stand fully behind David, and I know many in the chess community do as well. Kramnik’s behavior has gone too far, and it needs to be stopped! […] These harmful accusations are unjust and harmful, and it is time we stand up against them.” Keti Tsatsalashvili adds, “David needs to know that the chess community stands behind him – not quietly, but visibly” Scroll down for the full statement of Keti Tsatsalashvili.
Timeline of events
23.05.2025 Navara publishes an open letter about Kramnik’s actions
23.05.2025 Reactions to Navara’s open letter – Aronian, Polgar, etc
23.05.2025 Navara and Kramnik to meet at FIDE World Rapid and Blitz
24.05.2025 David Navara, “I firmly believe that Mr Dvorkovich should resign”
24.05.2025 Kramnik, “I am deeply disappointed Navara participates in unjust PR campaign against me”
24.05.2025 Kramnik rage-blocks Chessdom over a comment on David Navara’s case
24.05.2025 Live: David Navara at French Top 16
25.05.2025 Kramnik admits to allegations, FIDE has grounds to act
25.05.2025 Open call to action for FIDE
26.05.2025 David Navara now has personal chess calendar
26.05.2025 Czech Chess Federation: We stand behind chess legend GM David Navara
28.05.2025 MrDodgy : “Kramnik bullies Navara, will he be satisfied if he ends in hospital or worse?”
29.05.2025 Emil Sutovsky : “I find Kramnik’s latest address to David Navara inhuman”
12.06.2025 David Navara: “When I heard Kramnik’s reaction, I slept really poorly”
26.06.2025 Official Statement of Hetman GKS Katowice Chess Club + Keti Tsatsalashvili of support of David Navara
Official Statement of Hetman GKS Katowice Chess Club
Hetman GKS Katowice Chess Club, a nine-time Polish Team Chess Champion, hereby expresses its strong protest against the conduct of Mr. Vladimir Kramnik, former World Chess Champion, towards our leading player, Grandmaster David Navara, who has represented our club with distinction for over twenty years.
Any direct or indirect insinuation that a player supports or engages in chess activity in violation of fair play principles constitutes a grave accusation that should never be made lightly. Casting aspersions on the integrity of a player’s games without providing concrete evidence or substantiated arguments is a reprehensible act, causing unjust harm to the individual concerned and to the broader chess community.
The act of initiating legal proceedings for the alleged violation of personal rights in a matter that one has oneself instigated is deserving of the utmost condemnation — particularly when such actions are undertaken by a former World Chess Champion, who should exemplify the highest standards of responsibility and integrity in the sport.
Grandmaster David Navara is an outstanding individual and an extraordinary chess player. Among fans and fellow grandmasters alike, he is universally recognized as a paragon of moral and ethical conduct.
Hetman GKS Katowice Chess Club stands firmly behind Grandmaster David Navara, and will continue to support him — both in his professional chess career and in any other forum where he may be compelled to defend his good name and principles against unjust allegations.
Context (28.05)
Kramnik is known to have published numerous articles and videos regarding cheating in chess. On multiple occasions he uses a small sample size. As a result, his conclusions may be perceived as accusations (this is the case in a multitude of well documented videos, articles, and opinions by experts here, here, here, here are just a few examples), allegations, or suspicions about cheating in chess, and even as insults to players’ professionalism. Despite how each individual perceives his words, on Chessdom, starting 25 May, we have adopted a term that Vladimir Kramnik used himself – allegations.
In accordance with established journalistic practices, we work with information and quotations from sources, including Kramnik himself. Kramnik has never contacted Chessdom via its official communication channel posted in the header of the website. Our attempt to contact Kramnik was futile and met with a swift block. The latest threats by Kramnik on social media leave little room for any good-faith discussions (further details to follow)
Regardless, we stand by accuracy, fairness, and independence of journalism and will continue reporting on the Kramnik – Navara case and its tremendous social importance.