Chess legend Magnus Carlsen quits event over fine for wearing jeans: ‘I’m too old to care’
Governing body FIDE says it had given him a chance to change into the correct attire, but he declined
Chess great Magnus Carlsen quit the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in New York on Friday after governing body FIDE barred the Norwegian from taking part in a round at the tournament for wearing jeans.
In a statement, FIDE said its dress code regulations were designed to “ensure professionalism and fairness for all participants”.
The body added that it had issued Carlsen a US$200 fine and gave him an opportunity to change into the correct attire, which the world No 1 rejected.
Carlsen, world champion between 2013 and 2023, said he had a lunch meeting before the round and had to change quickly.
“I put on a shirt, jacket and honestly like I didn’t even think about jeans, even changed my shoes,” Carlsen told the Take Take Take chess app.
“I didn’t even think about it … First of all, I got a fine, which is fine, and then I got a warning that I would not be paired if I didn’t go change my clothes. They said that I could do it after the third round today.
