Have a look at regulation title 3 of FIDE’s Dress Code policy which lead to Magnus Carlsen withdrawing from the Chess Rapid and Blitz Championships 2024
Magnus Carlsen, the five-time world champion, received a notice from the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and a $200 fine.
Magnus Carlsen, a former world champion, controversially left the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship on Friday after refusing to change his outfit after breaking the FIDE dress code by showing up to the event in New York wearing jeans.
Explained hat is regulation title 3 of FIDE’s Dress Code policy, fine/punishment for violation and why did Magnus Carlsen withdraw from the Chess Rapid and Blitz Championships 2024
Before being disqualified, the five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen was first fined. The tournament’s defending champion, Magnus Carlsen, received a $200 fine for wearing jeans, which are absolutely prohibited by the regulations.
According to the title 3, the FIDE DRESS CODE POLICY state: HELP CHESS BY WEARING PROPER ATTIRE
Objective:
It is important to promote a good and positive image of chess. Attire worn during all phases of the championships and events should be in good taste and appropriate to such a prestigious chess event.
Dress Code for players during games in progress.
3.a. The following is acceptable for men players, captains, head of delegation.
Suits, ties, dressy pants, trousers, jeans, long-sleeve or shirt-sleeve dress shirt, dress shirt, alternatively T-shirts or polo, dress shoes, loafers or dressy slip-ons, socks, shoes or sneakers, sport coat, blazer, Bermuda shorts, turtleneck, jacket, vest or sweater. Team uniforms and national costumes clothing.
3.b. The following is NOT acceptable for men players, captains, head of delegation.
Beach-wear slips, profanity and n*de or semi-n*de pictures printed on shirts, torn pants or jeans. holes, denim shorts, short-shorts, cut-off shorts, gym shorts, unclean clothing, sun glasses, sport caps.
3.c. The following is acceptable for women players
Women’s suits, dresses. skirts, blouses, turtleneck, T-shirts or poloʼs, trousers, jeans or slacks, footwear (boots, flats, mid-heel or high-heel shoes, sneakers with sock), jacket, vest or sweater, a scarf, as well as jewelry (earrings, necklace, etc.) coordinated to the outfit may be worn.
3.d. The following is NOT acceptable for women players
Beach-wear slips, profanity and n*de or semi-n*de pictures printed on shirts, torn pants or jeans. holes, noticeable unclean clothing, sun glasses, sport caps. Revealing attire. Clothes such as denim shorts, short-shorts, cut-off shorts, gym shorts, crop tops, tank tops, and clothes made of see-through materials or clothes that expose areas of the body usually covered in the location
A player not in proper dress code will not be allowed to play, until she or he comply with the FIDE Dress Code. Tournament staff and FIDE officials/ representatives not in proper dress code will be asked to remove him or herself from the event or meeting until complying with the FIDE Dress Code. There is no dress code at any function that is away from the playing hall, provided that the host facility for that function does not have a dress code.
By all means, FIDE is just bullying Magnus Carlsen at this point. Jeans are allowed in their own dress code. Here's an excerpt of their dresscode:
This was a clear humiliation ritual towards magnus after signing with Weissenhaus. FIDE owes an apology.
Magnus' Jeans was NOT torn pic.twitter.com/Xlsye4w5cH— le toro (@elToroDelRio) December 28, 2024
Carlsen’s unwillingness to comply with chief arbiter Alex Holowczak’s order to change his apparel right away resulted in his disqualification and removal from the Wall Street tournament’s Round 9.
“Today, Mr. Magnus Carlsen breached the dress code by wearing jeans, which are explicitly prohibited under long-standing regulations for this event. The Chief Arbiter informed Mr. Carlsen of the breach, issued a USD 200 fine, and requested that he change his attire,” FIDE said in the statement
In order to make following the regulations easier, FIDE has also made sure that the participants’ lodging is close to the playing field, only a short stroll away.
FIDE statement regarding Magnus Carlsen’s dress code breach
FIDE regulations for the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships, including the dress code, are designed to ensure professionalism and fairness for all participants.
Today, Mr. Magnus Carlsen breached the dress code… pic.twitter.com/SLdxBpzroe
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) December 27, 2024
Considered by many to be among the best chess players, the Norwegian grandmaster had stated that he would be willing to observe the dress code starting the next day, but he refused to comply right away, leading to his elimination from the competition. Mr. Carlsen was not paired for round nine since he regrettably declined. All players are affected equally by this decision, which was taken impartially, according to FIDE.
Russian Grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi was also fined for previously violating the clothing code, but he later adjusted his behaviour to conform at the regulations.
Response from Magnus Carlsen
Since 2011, Magnus Carlsen has held the top spot in the world rankings, with a live rating of 2831. Five World Classical Chess Champions, five World Rapid Champions, seven World Blitz Champions, the 2023 Chess World Cup Champion, and six Norway Chess Champions are all part of his illustrious career. After being fined for wearing jeans, he decided to withdraw from the 2024 World Blitz and Rapid Chess Championshis.
“I am pretty tired of FIDE, so I want no more of this. I don’t want anything to do with them. I am sorry to everyone at home, maybe it’s a stupid principle, but I don’t think it’s any fun,” Magnus Carlsen told Norwegian broadcasting channel NRK.