“I’m out, fuck you…”: Chess player Magnus Carlsen walks away after FIFA disqualifies him for wearing jeans

Five-time world chess champion Magnus Carlsen has been disqualified from the 2024 World Blitz Chess Championship for violating the event’s strict dress code. The Norwegian was fined $200 for wearing jeans, which is expressly prohibited by tournament regulations, and was later disqualified by chief referee Alex Holovczak after refusing to change his clothes.

“I’m very tired of the FIDE, so I don’t want any more of this. I don’t want anything to do with them. I’m sorry to everyone at home, maybe it’s a stupid principle, but I don’t think it’s fun,” Carlsen told Norwegian radio NRK.

As his frustration mounted, Carlsen did not back down. “They can impose their rules. That’s fine with me. And I was like, ‘OK,’ and then I’ll walk out. Like, ‘Fuck you.’ I don’t think anything more needs to be said.”

What led to the disqualification?

Carlsen admitted to flouting the dress code. “I had a nice lunch before I came here and I didn’t have enough time to change my clothes. I had a t-shirt and a jacket on but I didn’t even think about jeans,” he explained on YouTube. After receiving a warning and a fine, he was told that he would not be paired for the next round unless Change immediately Carlsen refused, citing a matter of principle.

“No, I haven’t appealed. Frankly, I’m too old to care much,” he added. “If that’s what they want, that’s fine. Then I’ll get out.”

The FIDE dress code stipulates formal attire such as suits, trousers or national traditional dress for men and similar standards for women. Players face a €200 fine for violations, which escalates to disqualification for repeated non-compliance.

Carlsen criticized this implementation, citing past grievances with the FIDE. “I didn’t have very much patience with them at first,” he said, referring to what he considers the organization’s strict approach to players.

Carlsen’s choice not to play in the Blitz tournament underscored his dismay. The chess legend admitted his suffering during the tournament, but insisted on his position. He concluded: “No one wants to back down, and this is where we are.”