International chess tournament overshadowed by dress code controversies
Magnus Carlsen, a five-time world chess champion, faced disqualification from the World Chess Championship as a result of stringent dress code regulations. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
FIDE's stringent dress code led to Magnus Carlsen's disqualification at the World Chess Championship.
World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen withdrew from the World Rapid and Blitz Championship on Friday after refusing to change out of his jeans, according to a statement from the International Chess Federation.
The FIDE announcement revealed that the Norwegian violated the dress code by wearing jeans, which are explicitly prohibited under "long-standing regulations for this event." It was noted that Carlsen was informed of the breach, incurring a $200 fine, and was asked to change his clothing. His subsequent refusal to comply resulted in his disqualification, meaning he will not participate in the Blitz Championship.
"This decision was made impartially and applies equally to all players," FIDE indicated.
The chess federation also mentioned that another competitor, Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi, received a fine for wearing sports shoes.
“However, Mr. Nepomniachtchi complied, changed into approved attire, and continued to play in the tournament,” the statement added.
Nepomniachtchi even posted a photo on X, teasing about the $200 fine, suggesting it would ideally “go to the Chess Fashion Research Foundation.”
Commenting on his disqualification, Carlsen remarked to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, “I am pretty tired of FIDE, so I want no more of this … Maybe it’s a stupid principle, but I don’t think it’s any fun.”
In another interview, he shared that he had little time to change before the event, stating, “I put on a shirt, a jacket, even changed my shoes. And honestly, I didn’t even think about the jeans.”
When he was asked to swap out his jeans immediately, he admitted, “it became a bit of a matter of principle for me.”
Carlsen chose not to appeal the decision, mentioning that he’s “too old at this point to care too much” and intends to find a location with “a bit nicer” weather.
He criticized FIDE for strictly enforcing the rules, claiming that they were “actually going after players as well to get them not to sign with Freestyle, basically threatening them that they wouldn’t be able to play the World Championship cycle.”
He further expressed his frustrations: “and my response is that fine, then I’m out. Like, f*** you. I don’t think anything more has to be said.”
The disqualification of the 34-year-old chess prodigy ignited a lively discussion on social media regarding the rigid application of dress code policies.
FIDE articulated that attire worn during all phases of the championships must be in “good taste and appropriate to such a prestigious chess event.”
In its statement, the chess body reiterated that its regulations, including the dress code, “are designed to ensure professionalism and fairness for all participants.”
The World Rapid and Blitz Championship, taking place in New York from December 26 to 28, features over 300 elite players.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen withdrew from the World Rapid and Blitz Championship on Friday after refusing to change out of his jeans, according to a statement from the International Chess Federation.
The FIDE announcement revealed that the Norwegian violated the dress code by wearing jeans, which are explicitly prohibited under "long-standing regulations for this event." It was noted that Carlsen was informed of the breach, incurring a $200 fine, and was asked to change his clothing. His subsequent refusal to comply resulted in his disqualification, meaning he will not participate in the Blitz Championship.
"This decision was made impartially and applies equally to all players," FIDE indicated.
The chess federation also mentioned that another competitor, Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi, received a fine for wearing sports shoes.
“However, Mr. Nepomniachtchi complied, changed into approved attire, and continued to play in the tournament,” the statement added.
Nepomniachtchi even posted a photo on X, teasing about the $200 fine, suggesting it would ideally “go to the Chess Fashion Research Foundation.”
Commenting on his disqualification, Carlsen remarked to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, “I am pretty tired of FIDE, so I want no more of this … Maybe it’s a stupid principle, but I don’t think it’s any fun.”
In another interview, he shared that he had little time to change before the event, stating, “I put on a shirt, a jacket, even changed my shoes. And honestly, I didn’t even think about the jeans.”
When he was asked to swap out his jeans immediately, he admitted, “it became a bit of a matter of principle for me.”
Carlsen chose not to appeal the decision, mentioning that he’s “too old at this point to care too much” and intends to find a location with “a bit nicer” weather.
He criticized FIDE for strictly enforcing the rules, claiming that they were “actually going after players as well to get them not to sign with Freestyle, basically threatening them that they wouldn’t be able to play the World Championship cycle.”
He further expressed his frustrations: “and my response is that fine, then I’m out. Like, f*** you. I don’t think anything more has to be said.”
The disqualification of the 34-year-old chess prodigy ignited a lively discussion on social media regarding the rigid application of dress code policies.
FIDE articulated that attire worn during all phases of the championships must be in “good taste and appropriate to such a prestigious chess event.”
In its statement, the chess body reiterated that its regulations, including the dress code, “are designed to ensure professionalism and fairness for all participants.”
The World Rapid and Blitz Championship, taking place in New York from December 26 to 28, features over 300 elite players.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
