Dress Code Clash: Carlsen vs. FIDE

Magnus Carlsen criticizes FIDE officials, including Viswanathan Anand, for handling of dress code issues during the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship. Carlsen was initially disqualified for wearing jeans but later reinstated after a policy change. He described some officials as 'robots' and the decision as 'draconian.'

World number one chess champion Magnus Carlsen has openly criticized senior officials of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), including Deputy President Viswanathan Anand, for their handling of a dress code violation issue.

Carlsen was initially disqualified from the World Rapid event for wearing jeans, a move he described as 'draconian.' However, FIDE later allowed players to compete in jeans, reinstating Carlsen for the Blitz event.

Carlsen expressed frustration, stating that officials acted like 'robots' incapable of independent decisions. He hinted at the mishandling of the situation, blaming the lack of dialogue and narrow rule interpretation as contributing factors. FIDE announced policy amendments to allow minor dress code deviations.

(With inputs from agencies.)