FIDE extends sanction against GM Christopher Yoo to a worldwide level
GM Christopher Yoo has been temporarily suspended by FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission. However, the suspension is not a result of the incident in Saint Louis, rather it is a new case of harassment complaint. The complaint is by a female chess player involving the recent tournaments Christopher Yoo played in Grenke and Sardinia.
As of today, 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 EDC Appeal Chamber had the following composition – Chairperson: Mrs. Yolander Persaud; Members: Mr Khaled Arfa and Mr. Alan Borda
This is the second major action by FIDE in recent days, after the FIDE strong statement on the Kramnik vs Navara case
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
09.05.2025 Christopher Yoo wins Freestyle event
09.05.2025 GM Christopher Yoo suspended by FIDE Ethics Commission
11.05.2025 Christopher Yoo’s FIDE suspension is a result of harassment complaint
01.07.2025 FIDE extends sanction against GM Christopher Yoo to a worldwide level
“CASE NO: 05/2025 (A): REQUEST FOR WORLDWIDE EXTENSION OF BAN IMPOSED BY THE USCF”, issued by the FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission – Appeal Chamber:
FIDE ETHICS AND DISCIPLINARY COMMISSION
APPEAL CHAMBER
The EDC Appeal Chamber, sitting in the following composition –
Chairperson: Mrs. Yolander Persaud
Members: Mr. Khaled Arfa
Mr. Alan Borda
In accordance with Article 26.4 of the FIDE Charter, hereby renders the following:
DECISION
CASE NO: 05/2025 (A): REQUEST FOR WORLDWIDE EXTENSION OF BAN IMPOSED BY THE USCF
- This is a request for a worldwide extension of the scope of a national disciplinary decision—a decision by the United States Chess Federation (USCF) rendered on 15th November 2024.
- The USCF suspended GM Christopher Yoo’s US chess membership for one (1) year effective November 15, 2024, through November 14, 2025, followed by a period of probation of five (5) years (until November 14, 2030).
- The parties:
3.1. The Appellant is the USCF.
3.2. The Respondent is GM Christopher Yoo. - The Appeal Chamber is required to assess the due process of the national decision made by the USCF:
4.1. On October 16, 2024 the Respondent Christopher Yoo punched Ms. Jordan Hallemann (a broadcast team member) on her upper back as he walked past her, unprovoked, after losing his game in round five.
4.2. GM Yoo violated the Safe Play Guidelines and Policy of the USCF, which corresponds to a breach of the EDC Code, particularly Art 6.8, Art 11.9 (a), (d) and (e), and was sanctioned by the USCF accordingly.
- On the 27th March 2025 the FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission (EDC) received a Request against the respondent by the USCF, for a worldwide extension of a ban imposed at the national level against him.
- The EDC Chairwoman, pursuant to her powers in terms of Article 18.1 of the EDC Procedural Rules, provisionally suspended the Respondent for 60 days from the 9th May 2025, until 8th July 2025, following the receipt of a second complaint against the respondent.
- Article 4.15 of the EDC Code and Rule 78 of the EDC Procedural Rules allows for the EDC to apply worldwide extension of the scope of a national disciplinary decision, upon request. The conviction must concern a disciplinary offence which corresponds to a breach of the Code. The key consideration in such a request by a national federation is that their decision must be in compliance with the fundamental principles of law and fair trial, which includes inter alia, the right to be heard and the right to a fair hearing.
Discussion
- The facts established in the USCF proceedings, including video evidence, witness testimony and the respondent’s own admission, supports the conclusion that guilt has been clearly proven and the disciplinary process was fairly conducted. The physical assault occurred during a high-profile national championship, which also served as a FIDE zonal tournament. Therefore, it contained international characteristics. Given the international relevance of the event and the respondent’s standing as a top player, a global response is necessary to preserve the integrity of chess competition and uphold ethical standards.
- The EDC is comfortably satisfied that the USCF’s decision was adequately motivated and made in compliance with fundamental principles of law and fair trial.
SANCTION
- Upon due consideration, the EDC Appeal Chamber, by unanimity of its members, finds regarding the matter of an appropriate sanction that:
10.1. The ban by the USCF against the respondent is extended worldwide, until 14th November 2025, to coincide with the national sanction. For the avoidance of doubt the respondent is sanctioned from participating in any FIDE rated event as a player.
10.2. The Respondent will be on probation for five years after the sanction has expired, i.e. until 14th November 2030. During the period of probation, should the respondent be found guilty of any other similar. The probation serves as a vital safeguard to deter future misconduct and must be enforceable in all FIDE-affiliated events.
- In accordance with Article 17.2 and 17.4 of the EDC Code and Procedural Rule 73.1, this final decision of the Appeal Chamber is appealable to the CAS within 21 (twenty-one) days following communication of this decision.
- The FIDE Office is requested to communicate this decision forthwith to the Respondent and the Applicant and to publish the decision on the FIDE website in due course.
DATED ON THIS 30th day of June 2025.
APPEAL CHAMBER Chairperson
FIDE ETHICS & DISCIPLINARY COMMISSION