The revocation was directed by King Charles III, with the decision formally published in the United Kingdom’s official public record, The Gazette.

Royal Honor Cancelled After Conviction

Hogg, 33, had been awarded the MBE in December 2023 for services to rugby union. However, the honor was “cancelled and annulled” after he pleaded guilty in 2024 to a charge involving abusive behavior toward his then-estranged wife.

Prosecutors said the conduct spanned approximately five years and included shouting and swearing, tracking her movements, and sending alarming text messages.

In January 2025, Hogg received a community payback order — a form of community service — along with one year of supervision as part of his sentence.

Rugby Career and International Record

Hogg was one of Scotland’s most recognizable rugby players during the 2010s and early 2020s. Playing primarily as a fullback, he earned 100 international appearances for Scotland national rugby union team before initially retiring from professional rugby in 2023.

He also served as team captain beginning in 2020.

Later that year, Hogg returned to professional competition after signing with French club Montpellier Hérault Rugby. His comeback was interrupted in April when he suffered a torn Achilles tendon.

Significance of the MBE

The MBE is part of the British honors system under the Order of the British Empire, recognizing significant contributions to society.

According to official guidance, it is the third-ranking honor within the order — below Commander (CBE) and Officer (OBE) — and is typically awarded for outstanding achievements or long-term service to a community or field.

Revocation of such honors is rare and generally occurs following criminal convictions or actions deemed incompatible with the standards of the award.

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Naroditsky, 29, a popular player and coach known for his engaging online chess streams and educational content, died unexpectedly earlier this week, his family announced through the Charlotte Chess Center. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

FIDE’s move comes after Kramnik allegedly led a months-long campaign accusing Naroditsky of cheating in online games, claims that the American grandmaster consistently denied.

A Growing Controversy in the Chess World

Kramnik, who held the world chess title from 2000 to 2007, publicly questioned the integrity of multiple top players in recent years. His repeated accusations against Naroditsky drew widespread criticism from the chess community, including top professionals and governing officials who described the comments as reckless.

During what would become his final Twitch broadcast last week, Naroditsky spoke candidly about the psychological toll of the accusations.

“The problem is, ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst of intentions,” Naroditsky said. “The issue is just the lingering effect of it.”

His remarks, later shared widely online, shed light on the growing issue of mental health and harassment in competitive online chess — where public accusations of cheating can severely damage reputations and morale.

Kramnik Responds, Denies Wrongdoing

In a statement posted Thursday on X (formerly Twitter), Kramnik denied engaging in harassment and expressed condolences for Naroditsky’s death.

“I hope the real truth about the circumstances and cause of this tragedy will be revealed, despite all attempts to hide it,” he wrote, while dismissing suggestions of personal wrongdoing.

The tone of the post sparked additional criticism from players and fans, many of whom accused Kramnik of deflecting responsibility.

FIDE Confirms Ethics Investigation

Speaking to CNN’s Jake Tapper on The Lead, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich said the federation’s Fair Play Commission had already reviewed Kramnik’s comments and forwarded the case to the Ethics and Disciplinary Commission for an independent investigation.

“We thought that Vladimir’s accusations were reckless and ungrounded,” Dvorkovich said. “We do believe that any kind of bullying or harassment is intolerable — in sports, in chess in particular.”

He added that “any kind of sanction is possible” depending on the findings, emphasizing that FIDE is treating the matter with “full seriousness and transparency.”

In a separate statement, FIDE underscored that online conduct by elite players must uphold standards of integrity and respect, warning that public accusations can quickly escalate into harassment.

“When this happens, discussions can turn into bullying and personal attacks — a particularly serious concern in today’s environment,” the statement read.

A Community in Mourning

The global chess community has reacted with shock to Naroditsky’s death, with tributes pouring in from players, fans, and students around the world. Widely regarded as one of the most talented American grandmasters of his generation, Naroditsky combined elite-level play with a gift for teaching, inspiring millions through YouTube and Twitch.

His passing has reignited calls for stronger mental health support systems in competitive chess, as players face increasing scrutiny and online hostility in an era of digital competition and real-time commentary.

Chess streamer Levy Rozman, known as GothamChess, wrote that Naroditsky “brought warmth and decency to a community that can often be harsh,” while other players demanded that governing bodies take tougher action against harassment within the sport.

Kramnik’s Legacy and the Ethics Debate

Vladimir Kramnik, 49, remains one of the most respected figures in chess history, celebrated for dethroning Garry Kasparov in 2000 and advancing positional play theory. However, his post-retirement years have been marked by controversy, particularly his public campaign against alleged online cheating, which has often targeted high-profile grandmasters.

FIDE’s decision to launch a formal ethics investigation represents one of the most serious steps yet taken against a former world champion. It also highlights the growing challenge of managing digital-era disputes, where online accusations can quickly spiral into personal attacks with real-world consequences.

Dvorkovich noted that FIDE’s disciplinary process will be independent and transparent, reiterating that “respect and fairness are fundamental values of chess.”

Looking Ahead

While the outcome of the investigation remains uncertain, the incident has cast a shadow over the professional chess scene and prompted difficult questions about accountability, mental health, and the culture of online discourse among top players.

Naroditsky’s family has requested privacy as the chess community continues to mourn the young grandmaster’s loss. FIDE has pledged to review its social conduct guidelines and expand mental health initiatives for professional players and online competitors.

Source: CNN – Former world chess champion Vladimir Kramnik investigated for bullying following death of grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky

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Spain’s High Court has convicted former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales for sexually assaulting player Jenni Hermoso, after he kissed her without consent during the 2023 World Cup celebrations. The court fined Rubiales €10,000 (about $10,434) and imposed other penalties, including a restraining order.

Details of the Case

The incident occurred during the World Cup awards ceremony in Sydney, where Spain’s national team celebrated their victory. Rubiales, 47, kissed Hermoso on the lips, sparking a national outcry and widespread debate about sexism in both women’s football and Spanish society.

Rubiales maintained throughout the trial that the kiss was consensual, stating it happened as part of the celebratory atmosphere. However, Hermoso has consistently denied consent, describing the kiss as unwanted.

Court Ruling

While Rubiales was found guilty of sexual assault, the court cleared him of charges related to coercion. It also acquitted three co-defendants accused of pressuring Hermoso to publicly back Rubiales’ account of the kiss.

In addition to the €10,000 fine, Rubiales is prohibited from contacting Hermoso or approaching her within 200 meters for one year. The fine will be paid over an 18-month period, with a daily rate of €20.

Public Reaction and Impact

The case has sparked heated debates across Spain, drawing attention to issues of consent, power dynamics, and the treatment of women in sports. The backlash overshadowed Spain’s World Cup victory and fueled conversations on gender equality in both football and broader society.

A lawyer representing Hermoso was not immediately available for comment following the court’s ruling.

Source

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Iga Swiatek, a top tennis player from Poland, has received a one-month suspension for testing positive for a banned substance. She is the second high-profile tennis player this year to face such an issue, joining Jannik Sinner. While Sinner was fully cleared, Swiatek accepted her one-month ban, which was announced on Thursday.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) determined that Swiatek’s positive test resulted from a contaminated medicine, so she was found to have a low level of responsibility. ITIA CEO Karen Moorhouse explained that these cases were not about intentional doping. Both Sinner and Swiatek had low levels of fault, and their situations were not considered a major concern for tennis fans.

Who is Iga Swiatek?

Iga Swiatek, 23, is one of the most successful women’s tennis players in recent years. She has won five Grand Slam titles, including four French Open victories in the last five years, and a U.S. Open title. Swiatek has held the No. 1 ranking for much of the past 2½ years, and she also won a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

What Happened with Swiatek’s Doping Test?

Swiatek’s urine sample tested positive for trimetazidine, a banned heart medication, during an out-of-competition test on August 12. This was just 10 days after her last match at the Summer Olympics and right before the start of the Cincinnati Open. Swiatek was provisionally suspended on September 12, following her loss to Jessica Pegula at the U.S. Open quarterfinals.

It was discovered that the trimetazidine had contaminated a sleep aid (melatonin) that Swiatek’s psychologist had purchased for her in Poland, where it is sold as a medicine. Swiatek had listed 14 other medications and supplements she was using, but melatonin was not one of them.

What is Trimetazidine (TMZ)?

Trimetazidine, commonly known as TMZ, is a medication that can help improve blood flow and endurance, which is why it is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The substance is categorized as a “metabolic agent” and is typically used for angina attacks. It is known for being used by athletes to enhance performance, which is why it is prohibited in sports. Previous high-profile cases involving TMZ include Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva and 23 Chinese swimmers.

What Happened with Jannik Sinner’s Case?

Jannik Sinner also tested positive for a banned substance earlier in the year. He tested positive for an anabolic steroid in March, but his case wasn’t publicly known until August, just before the U.S. Open, which he went on to win. Sinner explained that the steroid had come from a cream his trainer used before giving him a massage. ITIA accepted his explanation, clearing him of wrongdoing, though WADA has appealed that ruling.

Swiatek’s case, like Sinner’s, was handled with a full investigation. She was given a lighter punishment due to the low level of fault or negligence found in her case. The ITIA does not have set guidelines for determining the length of suspensions in these cases, so they evaluate all the circumstances before making a decision.

Conclusion

Both Swiatek and Sinner were cleared of intentional doping, and their suspensions reflect the specific circumstances surrounding each case. While Swiatek’s one-month suspension may seem concerning to some, it was determined to be a result of unintentional contamination. Fans are reassured that these cases are not major doping scandals, and tennis authorities have acted accordingly based on the facts presented.

Source

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