Magnus Carlsen announced his comeback to the World Blitz Championship on Monday. After FIDE agreed to waive a dress requirement that had previously resulted in him being penalised. He was barred from playing a late-round game in another competition for refusing to change out of jeans. The move comes after the International Chess Federation (FIDE) changed its dress code guideline to enable players to wear jeans.
Magnus Carlsen had previously been disqualified from the Rapid event and fined $200 for wearing apparel that was “explicitly prohibited” under the original tournament regulations. The Norwegian stated in a social media video that he will compete in the World Blitz Championship, which begins on Monday while wearing jeans. FIDE further stated that earlier in the day, another grandmaster, Ian Nepomniachtchi, was penalised for wearing sports shoes.
But he followed the rules, changed, and resumed play. Carlsen later explained that he had volunteered to comply with the dress code the next day, but officials remained firm. “It became a matter of principle,” he explained, resulting in his withdrawal from both the quick and blitz tournaments. Carlsen questioned whether he had genuinely broken any regulations. Claiming that changing clothes in the middle of the tournament would have changed his focus.
FIDE’s Dress Code Bends for the Chess King
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich announced the policy change. Stating that it was intended to offer FIDE officials greater latitude in determining what is appropriate to wear. Dvorkovich explained, “The principle is simple: it is still required to follow the official dress code, but elegant minor deviations (that may, in particular, include appropriate jeans matching the jacket) are allowed.” FIDE said Carlsen’s return will be a huge boost for chess.
FIDE said, “This is great news for the chess world. We are delighted that the reigning World Blitz Chess Champion will be competing to defend his title and aim for another crown at the highly anticipated event in New York.” Despite his initial frustration with FIDE, Carlsen has confirmed his participation.
