Picture Credit: X
On Saturday, December 28, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) disqualified five-time world champions Magnus Carlsen for breaching the dress code of the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championship. Along with refusing to play him in the round nine, the FIDE also issued a fine of USD 200 for breaching the code of conduct.
Afterwards, situation escalated after the Norwegian Grandmaster refused to comply with FIDE’s regulations for the tournament, underway in New York. While Carlsen was initially issued a fine of USD 200, the concerned authorities took stringent action after he denied Chief Arbiter Alex Holowczak’s decision.
Why was Magnus Carlsen disqualified from World Rapid and Blitz Champions 2024?
After continuously denying to comply with the rules and regulations of the tournament, the FIDE took things to another level, ensuring “professionalism and fairness for all participants.” Taking to X (formerly called Twitter), FIDE in its statement said, “Today, Mr. Magnus Carlsen breached the dress code by wearing jeans, which are explicitly prohibited under long-standing regulations for this event. The Chief Arbiter informed Mr. Carlsen of the breach, issued a $200 fine, and requested that he change his attire. Unfortunately, Mr. Carlsen declined, and as a result, he was not paired for round nine. This decision was made impartially and applies equally to all players.”
According to the FIDE regulations, “The dress code regulations are drafted by members of the FIDE Athletes Commission, which is composed of professional players and experts. These rules have been in place for years and are well-known to all participants and are communicated to them ahead of each event. FIDE has also ensured that the players' accommodation is within a short walking distance from the playing venue, making adherence to the rules more convenient.”
“FIDE remains committed to promoting chess and its values, including respect for the rules that all participants agree to follow,” the statement further added. The international chess body also added that another participant, named Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia was also fined for breaching the dress code. "However, Mr. Nepomniachtchi complied, changed into approved attire, and continued to play in the tournament,” the statement confirmed.
Magnus Carlsen has been a notable figue in the game of chess. The Norwegian has served as the reigning World Champion since 2011 with a live rating of 2831 as of November 2024. In his elaborated career, Carlsen has finished as World Champion for five times, along with reigning the five-time World Rapid Champion, reigning seven-time World Blitz Champion. He clinched the 2023 Chess World Cup and continues as six-time Norway Chess Champion.
