The FIDE Ethics & Disciplinary Commission (EDC) has upheld the US Chess Federation’s one-year suspension of GM Christopher Yoo, and extended it to a global level, barring him from all FIDE-rated events until November. In addition, the 18-year-old grandmaster has been put on probation until 2030.
The decision was published by FIDE on Tuesday following a unanimous ruling by the EDC, led by their Chairwoman, Yolander Persaud, with Khaled Arfa and Alan Borda serving as members.
The ruling confirms that video evidence, witness testimony, and Yoo’s own admission of the assault support the conclusion that “guilt has been clearly proven.” The EDC also said the initial sanction by US Chess met international legal standards and that the St. Louis incident warranted worldwide repercussions.
The physical assault occurred during a high-profile national championship, which also served as a FIDE zonal tournament. Therefore, it contained international characteristics. Given the international relevance of the event and the respondent’s standing as a top player, a global response is necessary to preserve the integrity of chess competition and uphold ethical standards.
EDC’s decision means that Yoo will not be able to take part in any FIDE-rated events until November 14, 2025. The 18-year-old has also been put on probation for five years, until 2030. “The probation serves as a vital safeguard to deter future misconduct and must be enforceable in all FIDE-affiliated events,” the EDC noted.
The probation serves as a vital safeguard to deter future misconduct and must be enforceable in all FIDE-affiliated events.
—FIDE Ethics & Disciplinary Commission on Christopher Yoo
Yoo, currently the world’s 12th highest ranked junior with a 2607 rating, was given a one-year suspension by US Chess (USCF) in November 2024. As a 17-year-old minor at the time, he was charged with fourth-degree assault by the St. Louis police after assaulting a female member of the broadcast team during the 2024 U.S. Chess Championship. He issued a statement the next day, apologizing for his behavior and calling it unacceptable.
The domestic ban, however, did not prevent Yoo from taking part in events abroad. As Chess.com reported in May, Yoo clinched first place with 7.5/9 in the Sardinia Chess Festival in Italy, but faced scrutiny from the chess community for participating.
Following the tournament, a female player came forward with allegations of harassment, describing multiple instances of inappropriate and unwelcome contact by Yoo. Chess.com spoke with multiple witnesses, who corroborated her story.
The incidents triggered a second complaint to FIDE, prompting the EDC to provisionally suspend Yoo for 60 days. Tuesday’s decision does not mention this complaint, but in an email to Chess.com, EDC confirmed that the second complaint is under deliberation.
Chris Bird, the international arbiter present during the St. Louis incident, has previously criticized both US Chess and FIDE for not taking action to make the ban global earlier. In a tweet, he noted that today’s ruling only sanctions Yoo for 4.5 months.
Imposing the USCF 1-year sanction worldwide on July 1 when the sanction runs out mid-November is really a 4.5-month worldwide sanction. The temporary sanction wouldn’t have been placed if a 2nd complaint wasn’t submitted. Both USCF and FIDE could have done better in this case. https://t.co/C5z53EfyGO
— Chris Bird (@ChrisBirdIA) July 1, 2025
Yoo has the right to appeal the EDC ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within 21 days. Young-Kyu Yoo, father of Christopher, declined to comment on the decision to Chess.com before the second complaint is resolved.
