Hans Niemann calls for FIDE action after Ian Nepomniachtchi questions young Canadian player's move

Hans Niemann and Ian Nepomniachtchi

American chess grandmaster Hans Niemann has criticised Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi after the former world championship challenger questioned a move played by 14-year-old Canadian chess player Aaron Mendes during an online tournament. Niemann has called on FIDE, chess’s international governing body, to take action against players who make public accusations or suggestions of wrongdoing, particularly when young players are involved.

Niemann calls for FIDE action

Writing on X, Niemann said FIDE should punish players who make such comments publicly and create a clear example to prevent similar incidents in the future. "FIDE must punish players for public accusations and insinuations, especially regarding a 14 year old. Nepo made similar comments regarding Faustino Oro(12). FIDE must set a precedent to prevent this from happening in the future. NBA fines players for complaining about the refs, this is far more extreme in comparison," Hans wrote on X. He also urged players who have genuine concerns about a game to use official channels rather than making accusations publicly. "If you want to make an accusation, voice it privately to the FIDE ethics commission, don’t defame your fellow chess players, causing irreparable harm."

What happened during the game?

Mendes, a Canadian chess prodigy who became the country’s youngest International Master at the age of 12, defeated Nepomniachtchi in Round 10 of the Titled Tuesday event on September 1. During the game, Nepomniachtchi questioned one of Mendes’ moves on his stream. The Russian grandmaster appeared suspicious of Mendes choosing an en passant capture instead of making a check.

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“14-year-old boy, right? Well, the boy who deliberately does not make a check move — hats off to him. That is very respectable. I would have zero suspicions about this game, but his en passant instead of a check — it leaves a bad taste. Like, why? How? For what? Aaron, my friend… Well, fortunately, we will not play against Aaron again in the tournament, because we already learned our lesson from him.” The incident came after Nepomniachtchi blundered on move 38, giving Mendes a strong advantage. Two moves later, Mendes left his Bishop under attack but chose an en passant move instead. Nepomniachtchi resigned five moves later. Mendes currently has a classical rating of 2340 and is ranked No. 27 in Canada.

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