Mon Dec 30 07:46:43 UTC 2024: ## Chess Champion Carlsen Returns to Blitz Championship After Dress Code U-Turn
**New York, December 30, 2024** – World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen will compete in the World Blitz Chess Championship in New York after a change in FIDE’s dress code policy. Carlsen was initially disqualified from the Rapid event for refusing to change out of jeans, a violation of the tournament’s formal dress code. He was fined $200 and subsequently withdrew from the Blitz championship.
However, following discussions with FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich and sponsor Alisher Usmanov, FIDE reversed its stance, allowing “elegant minor deviations” from the dress code, including appropriate jeans. Dvorkovich stated the decision aimed to provide more flexibility to officials in judging attire suitability.
Carlsen, a five-time world champion, confirmed his participation, stating he would play “at least one more day” in the tournament. He cited positive discussions with FIDE leadership as the reason for his return. FIDE expressed delight at Carlsen’s participation, highlighting the positive impact on the sport. FIDE Deputy President Viswanathan Anand previously stated that the governing body had been left with no option but to disqualify Carlsen for his initial refusal to comply with the rules. The reversal of the decision comes after a meeting between Carlsen and Anand.
First Piper 