Carlsen pulls out of chess championship amid jeans dispute

World chess star Magnus Carlsen has withdrawn from the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in New York following a disagreement over the tournament's dress code, Kazinform News Agency reports.

Carlsen walked away from the tournament after learning he could not keep competing while wearing jeans. The grandmaster said he had offered to change his pants for the following day, but officials insisted he do it immediately and fined him $200.

In a statement, FIDE said Carlsen's attire breached long-standing regulations prohibiting jeans. "FIDE regulations for the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships, including the dress code, are designed to ensure professionalism and fairness for all participants," the organization noted.

The Chief Arbiter informed Carlsen of the violation and requested 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," FIDE explained.

FIDE cited another case from the same day, involving Ian Nepomniachtchi, who was fined for wearing sports shoes. Unlike Carlsen, Nepomniachtchi complied with the rules and continued competing.

“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,” the statement reads.

Carlsen, 34, is a five-time World Chess Champion and has been the top-ranked player for over a decade, earning the title of grandmaster at just 13 years old. Saying "Honestly, I am too old at this point to care too much," Carlsen confirmed that he will not appeal the decision.

FIDE also highlighted that the organization “remains committed to promoting chess and its values, including respect for the rules that all participants agree to follow.”

Earlier it was reported that Kazakh chess players across the board had a successful year in 2024, winning a record 160 medals at international tournaments organized by FIDE and the Asian Chess Federation (ACF). The total includes 55 gold, 54 silver, and 51 bronze medals.