FIDE President on Magnus Carlsen jeans controversy: ‘I sincerely regret that this situation escalated’ | Chess News

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich has given clarification regarding the dress code controversy surrounded Magnus Carlsen. The Fide president regretted that the way situation escalated and called the withdrawal of Magnus Carlsen “extremely unfortunate.”
However, Magnus Carlsen on Sunday has confirmed that he will be playing in the World Blitz Championship a couple of days after he pulled out because he was fined FIDE for violating the dress code rules wearing jeans on day 2 of the event.
“It is unfortunate that the implementation of dress-code rules, while being legally sound and consent, has left some feeling this is disproportionate and caused the situation everyone would have preferred to avoid, including some of the words being said at the peak of emotions that one would most probably regret afterwards,” said Dvorkovich in a statement released FIDE.
Magnus Carlsen gives his acceptance speech at the FIDE 100 Gala with Arkady Dvorkovich, former Deputy Prime Miner of Russia and current president of FIDE, standing in the background. (FIDE/Michal Walusza)
“The withdrawal of Magnus Carlsen, who has played an exceptional role in elevating the sport of chess to the new heights during the last several years, was an extremely unfortunate consequence of this disconnect.
“I sincerely regret that this situation escalated without a resolution being found both sides in time to prevent Magnus’s withdrawal. Having said that, FIDE remains committed to taking concrete steps to ensure that all players feel supported and valued, recognizing their vital role in inspiring fans and advancing the game worldwide,” he said.
Dvorkovich also explained why the dress code rules are needed to preserve the integrity of chess.
“Let me underline that the basics of these rules have been developed carefully.

Dear participants of the World Blitz Championships in New York,
Let me begin thanking all of you for your commitment to compete fairly and for bringing joy to millions of spectators all over the world.
It is my dinct pleasure to congratulate the winners, Humpy Koneru and… pic.twitter.com/8jHN3OD4aX
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) December 29, 2024
“I also hope that the active position of many other players now would lead to improving this important framework in the best interests of the fans, players, the partners and the media.
“The concerns raised Magnus Carlsen highlight the need for further discussion about how to modernize the current approach, to ensure that our rules and their application reflect the evolving nature of chess as a global and accessible sport.
“This includes a continued dialogue with players, sponsors, and the broader chess community, to align expectations and minimize the potential for conflicts in the future. Mutual respect and trust is a critical pre-condition to making this dialogue effective.
“We must collectively strive to preserve the integrity of chess while also ensuring that the sport remains inclusive and appealing. I look forward to seeing Magnus Carlsen and other top players continue to grace the chessboard in major international events, bringing excitement and inspiration to millions of fans worldwide.”
Magnus Carlsen is disqualified FIDE for violating the dress code. (Magnus Carlsen | X)
Meanwhile, the FIDE president also revealed that the chess governing body has decided to give a few relaxation.
“As far as the application of the rules during the World Blitz Championships is concerned, based on the consultations with our partners and their preferences, I took the decision to trial an approach to provide more flexibility to FIDE officials in judgements regarding the suitability of the attire,” he said.
“Special assants will be requested to help in those judgements and make final conclusions, shall any doubts arise.
“The principle is simple: it is still required to follow the official dress-code, but elegant minor deviations (that may, in particular, include appropriate jeans matching the jacket) are allowed. In the end, it is New Year time, and I sincerely hope that nobody would try to undermine the festive mood, including abusing this additional flexibility.”

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