Global chess competition marred by dress code scandals

FIDE’s strict attire rules led to Magnus Carlsen’s disqualification at a World Chess Championship

World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen withdrew from the World Rapid and Blitz Championship on Friday after he refused to change out of his pants, according to an announcement from the International Chess Federation (FIDE).

According to the FIDE statement published on Saturday, the Norwegian breached the dress code by wearing jeans, which are explicitly prohibited under “long-standing regulations for this event.” It also claims that the five-time world chess champion was informed of the breach, which resulted in a $200 fine, and asked to change his attire. Carlsen was later disqualified for refusing to abide by the rules, and he won’t attend the Blitz Championship.

“This decision was made impartially and applies equally to all players,” FIDE stated.

The chess body said that another participant, Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi, was also fined for wearing sports shoes. 

“However, Mr. Nepomniachtchi complied, changed into approved attire, and continued to play in the tournament,” according to the statement.

Nepomniachtchi posted a picture of himself on X, mocking the $200 fine, which he said would hopefully “go to the Chess Fashion Research Foundation.”

As the chief arbiter just told me, none other than Ahmed Adly believes that a chess player should not dress like that. So the $200 fine will (hopefully) go to the Chess Fashion Research Foundation.
???????????? pic.twitter.com/FLhxXL3rAO

— Ian Nepomniachtchi (@lachesisq) December 27, 2024

Commenting on his disqualification, Carlsen told 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 a separate interview, he revealed that he barely had time to go to the room and change ahead of the game, “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 change his jeans immediately, “it became a bit of a matter of principle for me,” he said.

Carlsen didn’t appeal the decision, saying he’s “too old at this point to care too much” and he’ll probably head off to somewhere where the weather is a “bit nicer.”

The Norwegian slammed FIDE for enforcing the rules, claiming “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.”

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He further said they could enforce their rules, “and my response is that fine, then I’m out. Like, f*** you. I don’t think anything more has to be said.”

The 34-year-old chess prodigy’s disqualification sparked a heated debate on social media about the strict enforcement of dress code policies.

According to FIDE, attire worn during all phases of the championships and events should be in “good taste and appropriate to such a prestigious chess event.”

In its statement, the chess body maintained that its regulations, including the dress code, “are designed to ensure professionalism and fairness for all participants.”

Held in New York from December 26 to 28, the World Rapid and Blitz Championship features over 300 elite players.