NEW DELHI: Five-time world chess champion Magnus Carlsen’s unexpected withdrawal from the World Rapid and Blitz Championships has drawn sharp reactions from across the chess community.
The controversy stemmed from Carlsen’s refusal to comply with FIDE‘s dress code, which prohibits jeans at tournament venues.
This defiance led to his disqualification from the ninth round despite being a defending champion and one of the favourites to lift the respective title.
FIDE deputy president and former world champion Viswanathan Anand, addressing the incident, emphasised the importance of adhering to the rules.
READ: ‘We gave Magnus Carlsen more than enough time to change,’ clarifies FIDE CEO
Speaking to ChessBase India, Anand clarified that FIDE’s decision wasn’t personal but strictly procedural.
“Obviously, it was not a step we wanted to take. But we offered several options,” Anand remarked.
According to Anand, Chief Arbiter Alex Holowczak had approached Carlsen after the eighth round, asking him to change into attire that complied with tournament rules.
Despite being fined USD 200 for the violation, Carlsen refused to change, citing principles.
“He said that on principle he was not going to do it. He himself stated that it was a matter of principle for him, and so the arbiter simply applied the rules and we supported that,” Anand revealed.
FIDE’s dress code, established by the Athletes Commission and well-publicised before the tournament, was also defended by Anand.
The incident has been marred by speculation about underlying tensions between Carlsen and FIDE, particularly given Carlsen’s previous criticisms of the chess body.
However, Anand dismissed any such suggestions, stating, “There is stuff going on behind, but I would like to focus on that we followed the rules and the fact that Magnus refused to follow it, and it left us with little choice. It is not connected to anything else that is going on.”
With Carlsen’s withdrawal, the biggest charm of the tournament has gone. However, as the chess world digests this shocking turn of events, the focus shifts back to the remaining rounds in rapid chess before kicking off the blitz leg.
