Despite being given the opportunity to comply before the ninth round, Carlsen refused, stating that at that point, it became a “matter of principle” for him
GUWAHATI: Magnus Carlsen, the world’s top-ranked chess player, withdrew from the FIDE World Rapid Championship 2024 on Friday, December 27, citing a matter of principle. The chess grandmaster was penalised for violating the tournament's dress code by wearing jeans.
ALSO READ: 'Romeo And Juliet' Star Olivia Hussey Eisley Passes Away At 73
The situation led to the chess grandmaster’s refusal to comply, resulting in his eventual withdrawal. Carlsen additionally confirmed that he will not defend his title at the World Blitz Championship, guaranteeing new champions for both events.
The Norwegian grandmaster, speaking to the media, shared that he was caught off-guard by the enforcement of the dress code. "I had barely enough time to change into a shirt and jacket before arriving. I didn’t even think about my jeans," he said.
He received a prior fine for the violation, followed by a warning that he would be unpaired if he failed to change his attire. Despite being given the opportunity to comply before the ninth round, Carlsen refused, stating that at that point, it became a “matter of principle” for him.
His frustration with FIDE’s handling of the situation was evident, as he indicated that it contributed to his larger dissatisfaction with FIDE, chess’s global governing body. "My patience with them was not very big to begin with. They can enforce their rules, and my response is: fine, I’m out," he said.
The 33-year-old further announced that he would no longer participate in any FIDE-organised events.
FIDE Deputy President Viswanathan Anand addressed the controversy, stating that the governing body had no choice but to enforce the rules. "We offered several options, including allowing Magnus to change his jeans before the ninth round, but he declined on principle," Anand told Chessbase India.
Specifying that the rules applied equally to all players, and also citing Ian Nepomniachtchi, who complied with the dress code when asked, Anand conceded that Magnus had left the governing body with “little choice.”
This development will now see new champions getting crowned in Carlsen’s absence.
