“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.

Magnus Carlsen starts day 1 of the World Rapid Championship on Wall Street poorly (FIDE/Lennart Ootes)

“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.

🇳🇴 Magnus Carlsen (2838) survives with a draw against 🇧🇪 Daniel Dardha (2554) in Round 7 of the 2024 FIDE World Rapid Championship. Both players are now on 4/7. #RapidBlitz pic.twitter.com/gXBISCjeF8

— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) December 27, 2024

“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.”

In Round 7 Magnus Carlsen arrived two minutes late for his game against Daniel Dardha 🇧🇪, and still took his time to adjust all the pieces! #RapidBlitz pic.twitter.com/8miXBSmoPq

— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) December 27, 2024

Carlsen criticizes FIDE

Magnus Carlsen has slammed FIDE for threatening players and enforcing their rules.

“There was this whole thing where FIDE actively wanted to, they were actually going after players as well to get them not to sign with Freestyle, basically threatening them that they wouldn’t be able to play the World Championship cycle, if they played in Freestyle,” he said on Youtube channel “Take Take Take.”

“So honestly, my patience with them was not very big to begin with. And it’s okay.

“They can enforce their rules. That’s fine by me. And my response is that fine, then I’m out. Like, f** you. I don’t think anything more has to be said. Okay.