Magnus Carlsen disqualified from chess tournament for refusing to change his jeans

World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen left a major tournament after being banned from continuing to play in jeans. The chess player was defending his titles at the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship in New York when officials imposed this requirement.

Details. The International Chess Federation (FIDE) stated that its dress code rules are intended to "ensure fairness and professionalism for all participants." Carlsen refused to comply with FIDE’s demands and was disqualified.

Carlsen added that he would not contest the decision, saying, "Honestly, I'm already too old to care much." He explained that he had worn jeans to a lunch meeting and "never thought" about changing them when heading to the tournament. In its statement, FIDE confirmed that the 34-year-old chess player was fined $200 and stated that its rules are applied "impartially."

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Reminder. Carlsen is a five-time World Chess Champion and maintains the top spot in the sport. The Norwegian has long been considered a rebel in the chess world since becoming a grandmaster at the age of 13.