CM rapide & blitz: Carlsen packs up!

by clement

Carlsen’s pants scandal

Senior referee Alex Holowczak explained that Carlsen had been fined $200 after round seven for wearing jeans. He was informed that he had to change before the ninth round or he would not be matched. Carlsen, however, refused to comply with this ultimatum. Holowczak pointed out that Carlsen had not been excluded from the tournament and could have played in the tenth round. But Carlsen had already decided to leave the tournament by then. In an interview with IM Levy Rozman, Carlsen explained that he would have been prepared to change his clothes the next day, but not between rounds during the tournament. He said: “My patience with them wasn’t great from the start. It’s okay, they can impose their rules, but then my response is: fine, then I’m out. Fuck you.”

Carlsen also told Norwegian broadcaster NRK: “From my point of view, I’m currently at open war with FIDE.” He went on to explain, “Yes, it’s come to the point where I’ve been involved for many years. But I don’t want to have anything to do with them anymore. I apologize to the fans, it may be a stupid matter of principle, but I don’t find it funny when it has to be that way.”

In an official statement, FIDE (see below) stressed that the dress code was intended to ensure the values of “professionalism and fairness for all players”. It added that the rules had been established by the FIDE Athletes’ Commission, made up of professional players and experts, and had been known about for years. Ian Nepomniachtchi was also fined $200 for wearing jeans, but changed his clothes after receiving a warning. Social media pointed out that other players, such as Zaven Andriasian and Hikaru Nakamura, had also worn jeans or similar pants without being sanctioned.

FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky defended the main referee’s decision, explaining that Carlsen had had enough time to change, as his hotel was only three minutes from the match venue. At the same time, he speculated that Carlsen’s decision could also be linked to frustration with his performance in the tournament and his general attitude towards cooperation with FIDE. Carlsen finished the rapid chess tournament with a victory over Brewington Hardaway, followed by a happy draw against Daniel Dardha and a victory over compatriot Aryan Tari.

Official FIDE statement on the incident:

The FIDE rules for the World Rapid Chess and Blitz Championships, including the dress code, are designed to ensure professionalism and fairness for all participants.

Today, Mr. Magnus Carlsen violated the dress code by wearing jeans, which are explicitly prohibited by this event’s long-published rules. The head referee informed Mr. Carlsen of this infraction, fined him $200 and asked him to change his attire. Unfortunately, Mr. Carlsen refused and, as a result, was not paired for the ninth round. This decision was made impartially and applies equally to all players.

Later in the day, another participant, Mr. Ian Nepomniachtchi, was also sanctioned for violating the dress code by wearing sneakers*. However, Mr. Nepomniachtchi complied, changed his attire and continued to play in the tournament.

The dress code rules are drafted by members of the FIDE Athletes’ Commission, which is made up of professional players and experts. These rules have been in place for years, are known to all participants and are communicated to them before each event. FIDE has also ensured that players’ accommodation is within walking distance of the venue, making adherence to the rules more convenient.

FIDE remains committed to promoting the game of chess and its values, including adherence to the rules that all participants agree to follow.

*Nepomniachtchi says he’s been asked to change his T-shirt!

Levy Rozman’s detailed explanation

More details

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