Grandmaster Kirill Shevchenko Expelled for Cheating: Chess World Shaken by Another Mobile Phone Scandal

Kirill Shevchenko, currently ranked 69th in the world, was participating in the Spanish Team Championship in the Spanish enclave of Melilla when the alleged cheating incident occurred. The subsequent matches that Shevchenko drew in the first two rounds for the Silla - Integrant Col·lectius team were turned into losses.

According to a statement from the Spanish Chess Federation (FEDA), the reason for Shevchenko's expulsion was "the use of mobile devices during the game." The federation further stated: "FEDA maintains its firm stance against cheating in chess, acting in the strongest possible manner in any case that is detected. We deeply regret that these events have occurred... At the same time, we want to emphasize that this individual behavior has nothing to do with the impeccable performance of his club and the rest of his team."

In a statement posted on Facebook, Silla - Integrant Col·lectius said that it "rejects in the strongest and most open manner any illegal and/or illicit strategy used in an unsportsmanlike way to gain an advantage" and added that it had ended its relationship with Shevchenko.

According to Chess.com, Shevchenko aroused suspicion when he began spending long periods away from the board during the initial rounds of the tournament. According to the chief arbiter Óscar Bruno de Prado Rodríguez, a mobile device was later found in a bathroom, along with a note written in handwriting similar to that of the 22-year-old grandmaster.

On Tuesday, the Romanian Chess Federation stated that it was waiting for "evidence" before making any conclusions regarding the allegations, emphasizing that it has "zero tolerance for violations of fair play rules." "We are waiting for the details of the case and will carefully study the evidence. So far, we only have press reports and alleged witnesses, but no official communication. Until then, we stand by our chess player, who denies the allegations. We will support him as we support all our players, within the limits of the applicable regulations. If further information emerges, the Federation's board will decide on the next steps," the federation added.

Following the incidents that occurred in the Honor Division of the Spanish Club Chess Championship, which involved Grandmaster Kirill Shevchenko (FIDE ID: 14129574), the FIDE Fair Play Commission immediately initiated preliminary investigations. This led the sole investigator, Vincent Geeraets, to conclude that he was "comfortably satisfied that a prima facie case (a Latin term meaning 'at first sight' or 'based on first impression'; describing a fact or presumption that is sufficient to be regarded as true unless disproved) has been established against GM Shevchenko."

The measure is deemed necessary "because it would be inappropriate for a player of GM Shevchenko's caliber to take part in tournaments or competitions under the auspices of FIDE while he is under investigation for a cheating offense ('use of phone')." The request, formally presented by FPL Chair Yuri Garrett to EDC Chair Yolander Persaud, is strictly based on the current FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Code: "Art. 12.1e of the Ethics and Disciplinary Code stipulates that a player may be prohibited from participating in chess activities during an investigation. Relevant is Art. 12.4a, which indicates that a provisional suspension requires that a prima facie case can be made against the player in question. Art. 18.2 of the EDC Procedural Rules indicates that in cases of urgency, such a ban may be imposed directly without the party concerned having been heard beforehand."

It is important to emphasize that "Such a provisional suspension, however, does not indicate that GM Shevchenko is guilty of a cheating offense. This must be carefully investigated on the assumption that the player is innocent." To this end, an Investigatory Panel chaired by Vincent Geeraets has been appointed. A similar case of cheating was proven in 2019 against Grandmaster Igor Rausis, who was caught with a mobile phone during a game. Rausis, then 58 years old, was found in a bathroom with the phone and subsequently admitted to cheating. His title was revoked, and he was banned from participating in tournaments. This incident remains one of the most significant cases of cheating in the chess world.

The Spanish federation thanked the Silla - Integrant Col·lectius team for assisting in the investigation and appreciated the diligent work of the refereeing team and the championship's Appeals Committee.

Shevchenko previously represented Ukraine before switching allegiance to Romania. He earned his grandmaster title in 2017 and reached a career-high ranking of 39th in the world last year.

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) stated that it is aware of the cheating allegations from the press and expects a report from the Spanish federation. "If the FPL finds evidence of cheating, it will address the FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission (EDC) to impose sanctions on the player. In particularly severe cases, FPL has the right to ask EDC for an immediate preliminary ban of the player before the investigation is finished. If found guilty, the player may face a ban and stripping of their title. The final decision will depend on several factors, including the player's cooperation with the commission, displayed remorse, and personal circumstances," FIDE stated.