MOSCOW, Sep 30 International Chess Federation (FIDE) on its official website announced the creation of a group that will analyze the conflict between the reigning world chess champion Norwegian Magnus Carlsen and American Hans Niemann. Carlsen on Monday accused the American grandmaster of cheating. In September, the Norwegian withdrew from the final stage of the Grand Chess Tour in St. Louis (USA) after losing to Niemann in the third round. According to the Norwegian publication VG, Carlsen made this decision because he suspects his 19-year-old opponent of cheating. Carlsen faced Niemann again on September 19 at the online Champions Chess Tour and decided to resign after two moves of the game. The investigation team will include three members of the FIDE Fair Play Commission. They will also be able to seek advice from independent experts. The investigation should examine Carlsen's allegations of foul play by Niemann, as well as Niemann's own claims of Internet fraud.» In the interests of the chess community, we would ask the public to refrain from speculating about the results and potential sanctions until all available facts are carefully considered and a proper investigation will not be completed,» Salomea Zaksaite, head of the FIDE Fair Play Commission, said.
