Baadur Jobava, a Georgian grandmaster, has been banned from all prize events on Chess.com for the rest of 2023 after making offensive comments during and after a game against Chinese grandmaster Xiangyu Xu during the Airthings Masters Play-In on February 3, 2023.
Jobava accused Xu of cheating after losing to him, despite not being able to prove it. He also made public offensive comments, including using a racist and vulgar slur directed towards all Chinese players, which were overheard by members of the Chess.com team. Xu had previously beaten well-known players such as Hikaru Nakamura and Levon Aronian before being paired with Jobava.
In his response to the ban, Jobava denied any racist intent and apologized to anyone who may have been offended by his comments. He argued that online cheaters usually get a second chance if they confess, and that Chess.com did not follow the FIDE Code of Ethics in their decision to ban him.
However, Jobava’s offensive language and accusations of cheating have violated the fair play principles that Chess.com upholds. In response to the situation, Chess.com chose to ban Jobava from all prize events for the rest of the year and launch a worldwide defamation campaign against him.
While it is important to take allegations of cheating seriously, it is equally important to treat all players with respect and uphold the principles of fair play and good sportsmanship. Jobava’s comments were inappropriate and harmful, and they do not align with the values of the chess community.
This situation highlights the need for clear and transparent procedures in dealing with allegations of cheating and inappropriate behavior in online tournaments. It also reminds us of the power that online platforms hold in the chess community and the importance of using that power responsibly.
Ultimately, it is crucial that the chess community remains focused on fair play and the principles of good sportsmanship. Only then can we create an environment where all players feel safe, respected, and free to pursue their love of the game.
I have been involved with organized chess for the last almost 50 years, as a player, chess club chairman, and tournament organizer and official. I would immediately cancel my association with any organization that refuses to ban and completely expel a subject who propagates racism to the extent reported in this case.