World chess champion Magnus Carlsen withdrew from the World Rapid Chess Championship in New York City after refusing to change out of his jeans, despite a dress code violation.

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) fined him $200 and warned him to change his attire or face disqualification. Carlsen, who had been at a lunch meeting before the event, stated he hadn’t considered changing his clothes and that the subsequent insistence on immediate compliance became a matter of principle.

His withdrawal also forfeits his chance to defend his title in the following World Blitz Championship.

FIDE defended its dress code regulations, citing a previous incident where another player was fined for wearing inappropriate footwear but subsequently complied.

Carlsen, a 34-year-old grandmaster since age 13, stated he wouldn’t appeal the decision and doesn’t plan to participate in events with such strict dress codes.

This incident follows his controversial 2022 resignation of a game against Hans Niemann, which led to accusations of cheating and a subsequent lawsuit.