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Chess champ quits tournament after refusing to change out of jeans

December 29, 2024

World chess champion Magnus Carlsen has quit a major tournament after he was told he could not carry on playing while he was wearing jeans.

The 34-year-old had been defending his titles at the Fide World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship in New York when officials said he was in violation of the dress code.

The Norwegian five-time world champion refused to get changed and withdrew from the World Blitz which starts on December 30.

"I said I'll change tomorrow... but they said you have to change now it became a matter of principle for me so here we are," he said in a statement.

Magnus Carlsen.

"Honestly I'm too old at this point to care too much. If this is what they want to do I'll probably set off to somewhere where the weather is a bit nicer."

World chess federation FIDE said regulations for tournaments, including dress codes, were designed to ensure professionalism and fairness for participants.

"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."

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