‘Magnus wasn’t prepared for…’: Viswanathan Anand says the rules are for the FIDE jeans class, no exceptions for the world number one

Magnus Carlsen, the world’s top-ranked chess player, has left the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championship in controversy after refusing to adhere to the tournament’s dress code. The move came after Carlsen was fined for wearing jeans, which is prohibited under FIDE regulations, on the second day of the event.

FIDE Vice President and former world champion Viswanathan Anand said the governing body had no choice but to enforce the rules. “He simply refused to follow the rules, leaving us little choice,” Anand told Chessbase India. “Today, this decision seemed emotional. Magnus was not willing to compromise.”

Carlsen’s refusal to change his jeans before the ninth round resulted in him being disqualified from the tournament. According to Anand, the FIDE has offered several opportunities for Carlsen to comply. “The referee said that as long as Magnus changed his jeans before the ninth round, it would be fine. But Magnus stated that he would not do that on principle,” Anand explained.

The five-time world champion’s principled stance has taken the chess world by storm. “Every other player follows the rules. Ian Nepomniachy was asked to change, and he did. That’s why he was able to continue,” Anand said.

When asked if he had spoken to Carlsen directly, Anand said he had only called the player’s father, Henrik Carlsen, to clarify. “He stated that they would not compromise. So I left,” Anand added.

The incident sparked debate about whether strict adherence to dress codes is necessary for chess tournaments or if FIDE’s enforcement lacks flexibility. Anand maintained that the decision was purely procedural. “The referee applied the rules, and we supported that. This was not a step we wanted to take,” he said.

Carlsen’s dramatic exit has highlighted the rift between him and the FIDE, raising questions about whether his stance was just an isolated incident or an indication of deeper tensions with the governing body.