Chess champion Magnus Carlsen has withdrawn from the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships after a dispute with the governing body FIDE regarding the tournament’s dress code.

Carlsen was barred from participating in a round on Friday for wearing jeans, which FIDE deemed inappropriate attire.

In a statement, FIDE explained that its dress code regulations aim to “ensure professionalism and fairness for all participants.” The organisation issued Carlsen a $200 fine and offered him the chance to change into suitable clothing, which he declined.

Carlsen, who held the world champion title from 2013 to 2023, expressed his frustration over the situation. He explained that he had a lunch meeting before the round and was in a rush, stating, “I put on a shirt, jacket, and honestly didn’t even think about jeans, even changed my shoes.”

The 34-year-old noted that after receiving a fine, he was warned he would not be paired for the round unless he changed his clothes immediately. He said he suggested changing the next day instead, but FIDE insisted he comply then and there. “At that point, it became a bit of a matter of principle for me,” Carlsen said.

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Despite the incident, Carlsen indicated he would not appeal the decision, saying, “Honestly, I am too old at this point to care too much. If this is what they want to do … I guess it goes both ways, right – nobody wants to back down.”

As he leaves the tournament, he stated, “I’ll probably head off to somewhere where the weather is a bit nicer than here.”