Shevchenko Admits Wrongdoing
The 2024 Spanish Team Championship faced controversy when grandmaster Kirill Shevchenko, representing Silla, was disqualified. Following complaints from two players, the arbiter found that Shevchenko used a smartphone in the restroom to analyze his matches. Consequently, he was removed from the competition after two rounds, and his game results were nullified.
Suspicion arose due to Shevchenko`s frequent departures from his seat, followed by swift moves upon his return. Francisco Vallejo and Amin Bassem both reported his unusual behavior. An investigation revealed his repeated, prolonged use of the same toilet cubicle. Furthermore, a mobile phone with a suspicious note, later linked to Shevchenko through handwriting analysis, had been previously discovered in the venue`s restrooms. A second phone was also reportedly found in the cubicle.
Based on these findings, the Arbitration Court disqualified Shevchenko, awarding victories to his opponents. Initially, Shevchenko denied all accusations and left the club, refunding his entry fee.
Five months after the event, the First Instance Chamber of the FIDE Ethics & Disciplinary Commission (EDC Chamber) made a unanimous decision after exchanging correspondence and holding online meetings.
Francisco Vallejo and Kirill Shevchenko | Photo: Heraldo
FIDE`s EDC Chamber Decision
The First Instance Chamber of the FIDE Ethics & Disciplinary Commission (EDC Chamber) reached a unanimous decision regarding the incident involving GM Kirill Shevchenko:
- The Respondent is found guilty of violating Article 11.7(e) of the Disciplinary Code.
- The Respondent is sanctioned with a worldwide ban of three (3) years, with one (1) year of the sanction suspended.
On December 26, 2024, the FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission (EDC) received a report from the FIDE Fair Play Commission (FPL) concerning cheating allegations against GM Kirill Shevchenko (FIDE ID 14129574) at the Spanish Team Championship around October 13, 2024.
The FPL recommended a three-year worldwide suspension, with one year suspended, and the revocation of Shevchenko`s GM title.
Shevchenko was given the opportunity to respond. On February 3, 2025, his counsel, Mr. Sabin Gherdan, submitted a response on his behalf.
GM Shevchenko admitted to concealing a phone in the toilet and using it to access Lichess, but denied that he “effectively” cheated or that his actions influenced the game. He presented several mitigating factors:
a) Full cooperation with the investigation.
b) Timely admission of wrongdoing.
c) Clean disciplinary record.
d) Age of 22 at the time of the offense.
e) Compromised mental state due to death threats.
f) Demonstrated remorse on multiple occasions.
g) The cheating attempt was not fully carried out.
Furthermore, Prof. Regan`s findings indicated no significant statistical deviations in Shevchenko`s tournament performance compared to his usual rating performance.
The EDC Chamber concluded that GM Shevchenko did hide a phone in the toilet at the Spanish Team Championship and attempted to cheat. However, it could not definitively determine that actual cheating took place.
The EDC panel acknowledged the mitigating factors presented by Shevchenko, particularly his cooperation, admission of guilt, and remorse.
Since Shevchenko had already been provisionally suspended and had not participated in events since the Spanish Team Championship, the ban will run from October 19, 2024, to October 18, 2026, with the suspended portion ending on October 18, 2027. His GM title will not be revoked.
The EDС`s decision was not satisfactory to the FPL. Andrew Howie, Chair of the FIDE Fair Play Commission, stated, `Any penalty for fair play violations should act as a strong deterrent, reinforcing FIDE`s zero-tolerance stance on cheating. This decision seems too lenient and does not fully reflect our commitment to integrity in chess. We will carefully review the matter and decide whether to appeal within the given timeframe.`
Shevchenko`s Games – Spanish Team Championship 2024
Game notation removed as requested.
Elton Marrow 
Gideon Holt