Top International Arbiter Banned For Sexual Harassment During Major Tournaments

International chess arbiter Arild Rimestad from Denmark has been given a two-year ban by the FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission (EDC) following multiple reports of sexual harassment against a female FIDE employee.

In its decision dated July 13, the EDC has ruled that Rimestad cannot act as an arbiter or participate in any FIDE events for two years, with one year suspended for three years, contingent on no further violations. It's a significant ruling by the EDC, as it seems to be the first time the panel has decided on a sexual harassment-related case. 

The 58-year-old Dane is an experienced international arbiter (IA), designated as Class A, the highest possible for an arbiter. He has officiated several prestigious tournaments such as the FIDE World Cup, the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships, the Chess Olympiad, Norway Chess, and the World Youth Championships.

Rimestad's suspension comes after a complaint by a female FIDE employee, referred to as Ms. X in the ruling to protect her identity, who filed a complaint in February this year detailing two separate incidents during high-profile tournaments in 2022 and 2023.

In the first, Ms. X alleged that during a major tournament in 2022 Rimestad had approached from behind and "slid his hand behind her head, touched her neck," before he "ran his fingers through her hair."

She also alleges that Rimestad, for the remainder of the event, "constantly followed her, stared intently and attempted to make physical contact with her, with constant approaches at a 'disrespectful' distance," according to the ruling. Her story was supported by several witnesses, who reported similar inappropriate behavior by Rimestad during the same event.

The second incident refers to another high-profile tournament in 2023, where Ms. X alleges that Rimestad caressed her shoulder, leading her to burst into tears. He also sent her a message on Instagram, addressing the gesture, according to a screenshot seen by the EDC.

The chief arbiter submitted a witness statement on how he dealt with the report, saying he confronted Rimestad, who initially denied anything, but later admitted that "he might have touched some woman but it was just a friendly gesture," according to the EDC.

Other witnesses provided statements supporting her account of the events. One of them was a participant of the tournament, who reported being subject to similar unpleasant behavior by Rimestad. Another witness said she had received unsolicited messages on Instagram during the tournament regarding her physical appearance.

In his defense, Rimestad admitted to giving "compliments," dismissing them as friendly gestures. He expressed remorse for making Ms. X “feel this bad." He also claimed a medical condition caused involuntary staring, which the EDC found unconvincing and irrelevant to the harassment claims. 

The EDC noted:

By the definition of harassment as systemic, hostile and repeated actions affecting the dignity of a person, the conduct of the Respondent qualifies as such behaviour. The Respondent's unwanted behaviour against the Complainant is repeated and extends beyond physical touch of a sexual nature. The Complainant describes what can only be interpreted as intimidation and conduct which extends to psychological abuse through his following, staring and smirking at the Complainant. Her reactions to his behaviour clearly show the negative, psychological effect it has had on her. 

The EDC also pointed out that the allegations are corroborated:

The EDC notes that the Complainant's allegations are supported and largely corroborated by witness statements, as compared to the Respondent's position which has no supporting evidence.

In a statement to Chess.com, Rimestad said he intends to file an appeal: "I believe their verdict is wrong. I haven't had a proper time to defend myself against the accusations, many of which are false. I hope other arbiters will never experience this. I will have to try to appeal."

Rimestad has 21 days to appeal the decision to the Appeal Chamber of the EDC.