29 December 2024

Chess master Magnus Carlsen He will not defend his title at the FIDE World Rapid Chess and Blitz Chess Championships because of a pair of jeans.

Carlsen, currently ranked number one in the world, knocked himself out of the tournament New York on Friday after receiving a $200 fine and a warning from the International Chess Federation for a dress code violation. The five-time world champion was told he would not be able to continue until he replaced his jeans, a change which a defiant Carlsen was not prepared to make.

Magnus Carlsen competes

Blitz and rapid chess winner, Magnus Carlsen, plays chess with Indian General Manager Arjun Erejesi at the 6th Tata Steel Chess Championship in India at Dunno Danio Hall in Kolkata, India on November 17. (Samir Jana/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)

“The FIDE’s regulations, including the dress code, are designed to ensure professionalism and fairness for all participants,” the organization said in a statement on Friday.

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“Today, Mr. Magnus Carlsen violated the dress code by wearing jeans, which is expressly prohibited by the event's long-standing regulations. The chief arbitrator informed Mr. Carlsen of the violation, issued a fine of $200, and asked him to change his clothes.” Unfortunately, Mr. Carlsen refused, and as a result , was not paired for the ninth round. “This decision was made impartially and applies equally to all players.”

Carlsen could have accepted the round loss and continued in the tournament on Saturday, but he told Take Take Take in an interview after the incident that he was not interested in continuing.

“Honestly, I'm too old at this point to care much. If that's what they want to do – I guess it goes both ways, right? No one wants to back down, and that's where we are. It's okay. Maybe I'll head somewhere “The weather is a little nicer than here.”

Magnus Carlsen competes

Magnus Carlsen on day two of the FIDE World Blitz Chess Championship on December 27, 2024 in New York City. (Misha Friedman/Getty Images)

He continued: “It's okay, they can impose their rules.” “That's fine by me, and I was like, 'Okay, then I'm out, fuck you.'”

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Carlsen, who arrived the same day two minutes late for one of his tours, is He is no stranger to controversy. But he explained that wearing jeans was just an lapse in judgement. He explained that he arrived from a lunch meeting and only had enough time to quickly change his room before heading to the tournament.

When asked if he could continue and adhere to the dress code the next day, Carlsen said the IBF refused and told him he would not be paired if he did not change after his round.

“At that point, it became a matter of principle for me.”

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The FIDE also doubled its rules, noting that another participant received a similar warning for wearing “sneakers.” This person had changed and was able to move on.

Magnus Carlsen competes

Norwegian grandmaster Magnus Carlsen plays a game of chess during the 6th TATA Steel Chess India Championship at Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium. (Soup Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

“Dress code regulations are drafted by members of the FIDE Athletes Committee, which is made up of professional players and experts. These rules have been in place for years and are known to all participants and are communicated to them before each event. FIDE has also taken care to Player accommodation is within walking distance of the playing venue, making compliance with the rules more convenient.

“The FIDE remains committed to promoting the game of chess and its values, including respect for the rules that all participants agree to follow.”

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