Global chess competition marred by dress code scandals
Magnus Carlsen, a five-time chess world champion, was disqualified from the World Chess Championship due to strict dress code enforcement Read Full Article at RT.com
FIDE’s strict attire rules led to Magnus Carlsen’s disqualification at a World Chess Championship
World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen withdrew from the World Rapid and Blitz Championship on Friday after he refused to change out of his pants, according to an announcement from the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
According to the FIDE statement published on Saturday, the Norwegian breached the dress code by wearing jeans, which are explicitly prohibited under “long-standing regulations for this event.” It also claims that the five-time world chess champion was informed of the breach, which resulted in a $200 fine, and asked to change his attire. Carlsen was later disqualified for refusing to abide by the rules, and he won’t attend the Blitz Championship.
“This decision was made impartially and applies equally to all players,” FIDE stated.
The chess body said that another participant, Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi, was also fined for wearing sports shoes.
“However, Mr. Nepomniachtchi complied, changed into approved attire, and continued to play in the tournament,” according to the statement.
Nepomniachtchi posted a picture of himself on X, mocking the $200 fine, which he said would hopefully “go to the Chess Fashion Research Foundation.”
As the chief arbiter just told me, none other than Ahmed Adly believes that a chess player should not dress like that. So the $200 fine will (hopefully) go to the Chess Fashion Research Foundation.
