Niemann should be treated like the equivalent of a major league athlete, where FIDE as chess's governing body should have the final say as to whether Hans is allowed to compete at major tournaments instead of corporate sponsor Chess.com. The accusations of him cheating at over-the-board play have been dubious at best, and the allegations of doing so during online play are inconclusive with no smoking gun to indicate outside help. Chess.com's report[0] focused on analyzing his online games and de-emphasized his strong play in over-the-board games, and also says their report shouldn't be used as a reason for him not to play at in-person tournaments; yet do the doublespeak of banning him from the 2022 Global Championship!

While it is true that even a single small outside hint can change the outcome of a game, Niemann and the entire chess community have benefitted from practicing against increasingly stronger computer engines where play styles have adjusted to this new era as well in addition to self-funding his tuition at a private school. Many of these tournaments over the past 3 years have only been played online, and have easier access to both stronger real and virtual opponents so having a faster increase in his ELO rating than anyone previously is not outside the realm of possibility.

Defamation, while likely will be settled for much less than the stated amount, on this is case is very justified as tournaments are invite-only rather than climbing a tournament ladder by winning local/regional games. Barring an athlete based on unsubstantiated political decisions and effectively trying to destroy Niemann's livelihood should be seen as highly unethical action by Chess.com and Carlsen.

[0] https://www.chess.com/blog/CHESScom/hans-niemann-report