Overview

• The FIDE Ethics & Disciplinary Commission’s Appeal Chamber unanimously rejected Shevchenko’s appeal and granted the Fair Play Commission’s cross-appeal, revoking his title effective upon publication.
• Sanctions include a three-year worldwide ban from FIDE-rated events running from 19 October 2024 to 18 October 2026, with one year suspended until 18 October 2027 contingent on no further misconduct.
• The case arose at the Spanish Team Championship in October 2024 after arbiters found phones in a private restroom and opponents Francisco Vallejo Pons and Bassem Amin reported prolonged absences.
• Disciplinary materials note his admission to hiding a phone and reports of a communication acknowledging use of the Lichess app, while he denied using an engine to cheat.
• FIDE officials, including Deputy Chair Dana Reizniece, said the decision reflects intensified efforts across fair play, arbiters, and ethics bodies to safeguard chess integrity.