Breaking News: Magnus Carlsen withdraws from World Rapid 2024
Magnus Carlsen (NOR) has withdrawn from World Rapid 2024. What caused it? He was asked to change his jeans to a trouser which abides by the dress code policy of this event. It was a matter of principle for him. He refused to do that and withdrawn from the tournament. The World no.1 will also not defend his title at World Blitz 2024. It means two new world champions are guaranteed to be crowned. Carlsen also mentioned to Norwegian media that he will not play any more FIDE events. He is done with them. Check out interviews with Magnus Carlsen with IM Levy Rozman for Take Take Take, FIDE CEO - Emil Sutovsky, Vishy Anand as the FIDE Deputy President and with the Norwegian journalist. Photo: FIDE/Lennart Ootes
Magnus sticks to his principle, walks out
"Obviously this has not been the best tournament for me. Yesterday was a difficult day. I lost one game, could have a couple more, generally was not playing well, a bit out of control. Honestly, I had a good sleep. I had a nice lunch meeting before I came here and I just barely had time to go to room, change. So I put on a shirt, jacket and honestly like I didn't even think about jeans, even changed my shoes. I didn't even think about it. I got here and I don't know if it was after the first game or the second game, I think it was after... yeah I don't remember. I got a warning that I needed to change my... 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. I said like I'll change tomorrow if that's okay, I didn't even realize it today but they said well you have to change now. At that point it became a bit of a matter of principle for me. Yeah so here we are." - Magnus Carlsen on what transpired.
"No, I haven't appealed. Honestly, I am too old at this point to care too much. If this is what they want to do... I guess it goes both ways right, nobody wants to back down and this is where we are. It's fine by me. I'll probably head off to somewhere where the weather is a bit nicer than here and yeah that's nice it." Magnus also mentioned that he will not be playing the World Blitz 2024 Championship, adding - "Unless like... what would have to change for that to happen but no."
"Yeah maybe. I don't know." - Magnus on if he was warned earlier for being late or not following the dress code rules. "You know there was this whole thing where... FIDE actively wanted to... they were actually like going after players as well to get them not to sign with Freestyle, basically threatening them that they wouldn't be able to play World Championship Cycle if they played in Freestyle. So honestly, my patience with them was not very big to begin with and it's okay. Like they can enforce their rules. That's fine by me. My response is that fine, I'm out. Like F$#% you."
"I am sorry for you guys and everybody at home. I hope you have a good rest of your holidays and I'll see you at some point." - Magnus' parting words with Levy.
FIDE statement regarding Magnus Carlsen’s dress code breach
FIDE regulations for the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships, including the dress code, are designed to ensure professionalism and fairness for all participants.
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.
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.
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.
Magnus tweeted: OOTD which is the abbreviation for Outfit of the day
Before all of this, Ian Nepomniachtchi tweeted
