FIDE disqualifies Magnus Carlsen for wearing jeans
Magnus Carlsen, the reigning world chess champion and top-ranked player, faced a disqualification from the 2024 World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships for violating the dress code set by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the Express Tribune reported
Magnus Carlsen’s decision to wear jeans explicitly prohibited by tournament regulations resulted in a $200 fine and his removal from the event after he refused to comply with requests to change.
The controversy began when Magnus Carlsen arrived at the venue in jeans, which breached the formal dress code that all players are required to follow. Chief Arbiter Alex Holowczak informed Magnus Carlsen of the violation, issued the fine, and requested that he change his attire to continue participating in the championship.
Magnus Carlsen initially agreed to comply the following day but refused to change his outfit for the current rounds, prompting his disqualification before round nine.
Earlier in the tournament, Russian grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi also violated the dress code by wearing sports shoes. However, Nepomniachtchi complied immediately after being fined and continued playing in the championship. The contrasting responses of the two players have sparked a debate within the chess community over the enforcement of FIDE’s dress code.