The world's top-ranked chess player, Magnus Carlsen, pulled out of the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championship amid controversy after refusing to comply with the tournament's dress code. The move comes after Carlsen was fined for wearing jeans, which is banned under FIDE regulations, on the second day of the event.
FIDE deputy president and former world champion Viswanathan Anand said the governing body had no choice but to enforce the rules. “He simply refused to follow the rules, leaving us with little choice,” Anand told ChessBase India. “Today this decision was an emotional one. Magnus was not willing to compromise.
Carlsen was eliminated from the tournament after refusing to change his jeans before the ninth round. According to Anand, FIDE gave Carlsen several opportunities to comply. “The referee said that as long as Magnus changed his jeans before the ninth round, it was fine. But Magnus said he would not do it on principle,” Anand explained.
The five-time world champion's principled stance caused a storm in the chess world. “Every other player follows the rules. Ian Nepomniachtchi asked to change and he did. That is why he was able to continue,” said Anand.
Asked if he had spoken to Carlsen directly, Anand said he had only contacted the player's father, Henrik Carlsen, to clarify. “He declared that they would not accept. So I left,” Anand added.
The incident has sparked debate as to whether strict adherence to dress codes is necessary for chess tournaments or whether FIDE is inflexible in enforcement. Anand maintained that the decision was purely procedural. “The referee applied the rules and we supported it. It was not a step we wanted to take,” he said.
Carlson's dramatic exit has highlighted the rift between him and FIDE, raising questions about whether his standoff is an isolated incident or reflects deeper tensions with the governing body.