FIDE Ethics & Disciplinary Commission published the final decision on the cheating case of 18-year-old Tit Lovric. EDC upheld the two-year global ban for Lovric and closed the case.

EDC noted that Tit and his family did not cooperate with the investigation. The Commission treated this as a lack of remorse. Both circumstances were considered as aggravating factors.

The punishment is considered to have taken effect in April 2026 at the moment the violation was confirmed. The ban includes a prohibition on playing in any FIDE-rated tournaments and deactivation of the rating. Lovric’s punishment will expire in April 2028.

Tit Lovric was caught at the Ljubljana Chess Festival 2025. A hidden phone was found in Lovric’s shoe. During the inspection, it was established that the smartphone had the Chess.com app open with his position from the game in Round 5.

Credit: FIDE