FIDE, the global chess federation, faces criticism following the imposition of a fine on Anna-Maja Kazarian for her shoes choice, an incident she claims significantly marred her experience at the World Chess Championships 2023
The 2023 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championships, which commenced on December 26, saw Magnus Carlsen securing his sixth title and Anastasia Bodnaruk claiming the women’s crown, yet the event did not unfold without controversy.
Anna-Maja Kazarian reveales she was fined for wearing Burberry shoes at the 2023 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship
Female chess pro Anna-Maja Kazarian was fined over her shoes at World Championships pic.twitter.com/tCiq34xNbz
— Dexerto (@Dexerto) December 28, 2023
Anna-Maja Kazarian Fined?
On December 27, Anna-Maja Kazarian disclosed that an arbiter had confronted her about her “unusual shoes” and insisted she switch out of her Burberry sneakers.
Consequently, Anna-Maja Kazarian was penalized 100 euros for her attire, compelling her to change shoes and leaving the chess luminary feeling “utterly devastated.” Unsurprisingly, the wider chess community expressed displeasure.
Online Criticism
Former Women’s Chess Champion Susan Polgar immediately expressed her disapproval, highlighting the apparent double standards, particularly in contrast to male players who were reportedly not penalized for wearing sneakers.
YouTuber GothamChess criticized the fine as “insanity,” and GM Hikaru, a popular chess streamer, reposted Kazarian’s comments, noting, “Some animals are clearly more equal than others.”
Kazarian Shares Experience
In a video, Anna-Maja Kazarian mentioned the possibility of the fine being revoked in the future.
However, during the event, Anna-Maja Kazarian had to return to her hotel, change shoes, and return to compete, revealing the toll the incident had taken on her mental well-being.
Addressing concerns that Anna-Maja Kazarian was exaggerating the incident for attention, she asserted, “Besides my entire tournament being ruined by FIDE, I slept very poorly and had no appetite all day
“ Just for some stupid shoes issue. This is not a joke, and if you consider me bringing attention to this ‘milking,’ you’re inhumane just like FIDE.”
Notably, this incident adds to a series of dramatic events in the chess world, as recalling an earlier controversy this year when Hikaru faced accusations of cheating after setting a chess Blitz rating record during a remarkable winning streak.