World chess champion Magnus Carlsen faced disqualification at the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in New York after breaching FIDE’s strict dress code by wearing jeans. The regulations explicitly prohibit such attire during the tournament.
Carlsen was initially fined $200 and asked to change his outfit. However, the Norwegian grandmaster chose not to comply immediately, resulting in his exclusion from the ninth round of the competition.
Expressing his dissatisfaction with the rigid enforcement of the dress code, Carlsen stated, “I am pretty tired of FIDE, so I want no more of this,” before withdrawing from both the Rapid and Blitz sections of the championship.
The incident has sparked mixed reactions from the chess community. While some believe dress codes ensure professionalism in tournaments, others argue that such regulations are overly stringent and detract from the game itself.
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Carlsen’s withdrawal marks a surprising turn of events in the championship, as he is widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players of all time. FIDE has yet to release an official statement addressing the incident.
The controversy highlights the ongoing debate around tournament policies and their impact on players’ freedom and focus during high-stakes competitions.
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