World chess champion Magnus Carlsen has returned to a prominent tournament after he withdrew due to being instructed to modify his jeans.
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has now relaxed its clothing regulations to permit “stylish minor variations”.
These variations “may particularly encompass suitable jeans coordinated with the jacket”, as per the updated guidelines.
Carlsen was defending his titles at the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in New York when he received a directive to change his pants.
Having attended a lunch meeting prior to the competition, he had to make a quick change.
“I slipped on a shirt, jacket, and honestly, I didn’t even consider the jeans,” he conveyed to chess outlet Take Take Take.
After playing several rounds of the tournament, he was informed that he would incur a penalty because of his jeans, and later told he would be barred from playing altogether if he did not change.
The Norwegian refused to comply and exited the competition on Saturday, expressing his intention to find a location with “nicer” weather, adding: “I am too old at this juncture to be overly concerned.”
FIDE swiftly amended the regulations following the incident, and Carlsen will now return to the championships, which the federation lauded as “fantastic news for the chess community”.
“The situation was poorly managed on their part,” Carlsen remarked in an interview with Take Take Take.
“I was just about to book my flight tickets.”
However, he expressed his delight in returning to play, as he has a passion for the tournament.
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Magnus Carlsen, pictured here in February, quit the tournament over the incident. Pic: dpa/AP
The chess federation has cautioned participants against exploiting their attire.
“I genuinely hope that no one attempts to undermine the celebratory atmosphere, including by misusing this additional leniency,” stated Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE president in a declaration.
“Special aides” will be available to assist referees in determining if players’ outfits are suitable, as noted by Mr. Dvorkovich.
Five-time World Chess champion Carlsen had previously been embroiled in a conflict with competitor Hans Niemann.
He accused Niemann of cheating after his defeat in a tournament in 2022, but Niemann refuted the claims and asserted he would “strip entirely naked” to demonstrate his innocence.
The two parties settled a $100m (£79m) lawsuit in August of the previous year.
