Magnus Carlsen was disqualified from the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships for flouting the dress code of the competition by wearing jeans and not changing it when requested. (More Sports News)
The top-ranked player in the world was warned and fined $200 in the seventh round for wearing jeans. He was told to change for the ninth round but the Norwegian declined leading to him not being paired for the round.
In a statement FIDE said that the decision was made impartially and applied to all players in the tournament.
FIDE stated: "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 $200 fine, and requested that he change his attire. Unfortunately, Mr. Carlsen declined, and as a result, he was not paired for round nine. This decision was made impartially and applies equally to all players.
"Earlier in the day, another participant, Mr. Ian Nepomniachtchi, was also fined for breaching the dress code by wearing sports shoes. However, Mr. Nepomniachtchi complied, changed into approved attire, and continued to play in the tournament.
"The dress code regulations are drafted by members of the FIDE Athletes Commission, which is composed of professional players and experts. These rules have been in place for years and are well-known to all participants and are communicated to them ahead of each event. FIDE has also ensured that the players' accommodation is within a short walking distance from the playing venue, making adherence to the rules more convenient.
"FIDE remains committed to promoting chess and its values, including respect for the rules that all participants agree to follow," the world chess body concluded.
Carlsen told Take Take Take that he will no longer play the remaining rounds or attend the FIDE World Blitz Chess Championship and leave for somewhere with better weather.
