Chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen sports jeans to return to championships after dress code controversy
Top ranked chess player Magnus Carlsen returned to competition in New York on Monday at the World Quick Shot Championship after pulling out of the World Quick Shot Championship over the weekend due to an argument over a pair of jeans.
Carlsen, the chess grandmaster, found himself at the center of controversy on Friday when he was fined and reprimanded by International Chess Federation (FIDE) that he will not be able to continue competing until he changes his pants.
Rapid & Blitz Chess Winner 5-time World Chess Champion Norwegian GM Magnus Carlsen plays chess with Indian GM Arjun Erigaisi at the 6th TATA Steel Chess India Tournament at Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium on November 17, 2024 in Kolkata, India. (Samir Jana/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)
pants, a pair of jeansthey were in breach of the FIDE dress code, which the governing body said was “designed to ensure professionalism and fairness for all participants”.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS REPORTS ON FOXNEWS.COM
Unwilling to budge, Carlsen said in an interview after his round that he would not accept the disqualification and return the next day in the proper attire, calling it “a matter of principle.”
“It’s fine, I can enforce my own rules,” he continued. “That’s fine as far as I’m concerned, and my answer is that it’s fine, then I’m leaving, fuck you.”
Although Carlsen appeared ready to move on, the five-time world champion returned to the World Speedway Championship on Monday, and he did so wearing another pair of jeans.
Magnus Carlsen plays against Michael Bezold during Day 1 of the FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship on December 30, 2024 in New York. (Misha Friedman/Getty Images)
“I think the situation was handled badly on their part,” Carlsen said in an interview with Take Take Take on Sunday, adding that he has a “good relationship” with FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich.
Dvorkovich released a statement announcing that FIDE would relax its dress policy for this tournament.
“Regarding the application of the rules during the World Blitz Championship, based on consultation with our partners and their preferences, I have taken the decision to trial an approach to give FIDE officials more flexibility in judging the appropriateness of clothing,” his statement read.
Magnus Carlsen plays against Michael Bezold during Day 1 of the FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship on December 30, 2024 in New York. (Misha Friedman/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“Special assistants will be requested to assist in these judgments and make final conclusions, should any doubts arise. The principle is simple: the official dress code must still be followed, but elegant minor deviations (which may, in particular, include appropriate jeans with a jacket) are allowed. In the end, it’s New Year’s time, and I sincerely hope that no one will try to spoil the holiday mood, and thus by abusing it.”
Carlsen will play in the quarterfinals on Tuesday.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports broadcast on Xand subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
