Niemann withdraws from Freestyle Chess in Paris hours after being informed about new security equipment: Report

American chess player Hans Niemann has withdrawn from the upcoming  Paris leg of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour 2025 just hours after being notified about the implementation of new anti-cheating measures, according to a report. Niemann had recently shared a post on social media informing his followers that he would soon be coming to Paris.

However, the organisers on Saturday announced that Niemann has withdrawn from the tournament at the last minute and Nodirbek Abdusattorov will replace him at the event. Meanwhile, Norwegian outlet TV 2 has reported that Neimann pulled out at the last minute as soon as he learnt about the new security measures.

Niemann exits Paris Freestyle Chess leg hours before arrival

The event’s management confirmed to TV 2 that Niemann pulled out shortly before his scheduled arrival at the tournament hotel. His exit comes in the wake of an announcement by the organisers and billionaire Jan Henric Buettner, who revealed the installation of advanced security equipment aimed at detecting cheating.

The report claims to have seen message exchanges that indicate Niemann’s decision came immediately after being informed of the upgraded security setup. Niemann’s official explanation for his withdrawal was cited as “personal reasons.”

Buettner, the founder of Freestyle Chess, which is co-owned by Niemann’s bitter rival Magnus Carlsen, expressed disappointment over the American’s sudden withdrawal from the Partis leg of the competition.

“We are obviously incredibly disappointed to hear about Niemann’s withdrawal from this event. But we are very happy to have found an incredible replacement with Nodirbek Abdusattorov on very short notice,” Buettner said in a statement to Chess.com.

Niemann’s late withdrawal raised eyebrows among chess insiders, particularly because of the timing. He had been added to the tournament after being left out of the opening round, and was expected to compete against elite opposition, including Carlsen, who had previously accused him of cheating.

Niemann later admitted to cheating in online games but denied all allegations that Carlsen made and went on to file a $100 million defamation lawsuit. The legal battle stemmed from Carlsen’s public allegations that Niemann had cheated during the Sinquefield Cup in 2022. The case was eventually settled out of court in 2023.

The controversy resurfaced recently when Carlsen revisited the topic during his appearance on a podcast. The former world champion reflected on the scandal, reigniting reactions. Niemann, in response, hit back strongly, “I’d rather retire than stoop to malicious accusations and character assassination. My commitment to chess is eternal, the chess will speak in due time.”