The International Chess Federation has announced greater” flexibility ” in clothing allowed during the world championship, a relaxation that allows the Norwegian champion Magnus Carlsen-punished for wearing jeans – to return to competition.
“I have decided to test an approach aimed at giving the officials of the International Federation more flexibility in their judgments regarding the appropriateness of clothing, “announced the president of the Russian International Federation Arkady Dvorkovich in a statement.
The need to respect the dress code
“In practice, it is always necessary to respect the official dress code, but elegant minor deviations (which can-in particular – include jeans matching a jacket) are allowed,”he added.
The outfits of the top masters participating in the world championship in the fast pace and blitz in New York, have caused many a stretch, since Magnus Carlsen, the chess legend and the best player in the world rankings, announced his withdrawal from the rapid competition, after being punished for wearing jeans. He was fined 200 dollars (about 191 euros) and then banned from participating in a round (when all participants play in one round).
Abstaining from participation
The Norwegian, very upset, confirmed that he will not return, to compete on the third and final day of the world speed championship, nor for the blitz competition, whose title he holds.
“My father said: Maybe we have to wait until the next day and talk with the president of the International Federation,” Carlsen said on Sunday to the “Take Take Take” chess platform, which he co-created, adding: “We don’t want people to apply for tournaments without making the slightest effort” in clothes.
He explained that he” accepts “the fine but claims that he made a” mistake ” in wearing jeans, because he was returning from a meal and forgot to change his clothes.
Dissent and grumbling
Carlsen opposed the International Federation on a certain number of points; he refused to participate in the world long match championship, the most famous title, complaining about its system, and invested in a different type of chess-Chess 960 – with the aim of creating a parallel tournament.
During the previous edition, at the end of 2023, the International Federation imposed a fine of 100 euros on the Dutch player Anna-Maya Kazarian because her shoes did not comply with the regulations. And she was forced to change her “sneakers” and wear high-heeled shoes.
And wearing sneakers is still not allowed this year.
