Magnus Carlsen disqualified over dress code violation: What FIDE permits, what it does not

Five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen was first fined and then disqualified from the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship for his refusal to comply with the FIDE's dress code after turning up in jeans here.

Defending champion Carlsen was fined $200 for wearing jeans, which are "explicitly prohibited" under tournament regulations and when he refused the request to change his attire right after the eighth round by chief arbiter Alex Holowczak, he was disqualified.

While Carlsen claims that he is "tired of FIDE", there are certain rules regarding dress code that FIDE requires the participants to adhere to.

"It is important to promote a good and positive image of chess. Attire worn during all phases of the championships and events should be in good taste and appropriate to such a prestigious chess event," the International Chess Federation believes.

World Events for Adult Players, World Championship Match, Candidates Tournament, Women's World Championship Match, Chess Olympiad, World Team Championship, Women's World Team Championship, World Cup, FIDE Grand Prix Series, and World Youth Championships are a few among several events listed by FIDE that are regulated by the dress code.

Those who are participating in the events, the captains and Head of Delegaions are affected by the dress code, along with the tournament organiser, staff, FIDE officials, and other people working at the event. However, FIDE allows exceptions on the basis of health and religion.

"Suits, ties, dressy pants, trousers, jeans, long-sleeve or shirt-sleeve dress, shirt, dress shirt, alternatively T-shirts or polo, dress shoes, loafers or dressy slip-ons, socks, shoes or sneakers, sport coat, blazer, Bermuda shorts, turtleneck, jacket, vest or sweater. Team uniforms and national costumes clothing," are allowed for men players, captains and heads.

Meanwhile for women players, FIDE permits, "Women's suits, dresses. skirts, blouses, turtleneck, T-shirts or poloʼs, trousers, jeans or slacks, footwear (boots, flats, mid-heel or high- heel shoes, sneakers with sock), jacket, vest or sweater, a scarf, as well as jewelry (earrings, necklace, etc.) coordinated to the outfit may be worn. Team uniforms, national costumes clothing."

However, players are not allowed to wear jeans, torn pants, shorts, sunglasses, sports caps, or have nude, semi-nude images printed on their shirts. Women are also not allowed to wear clothes that are made out of see-through materials or expose any part of the body that is usually covered in the location of the event.

Similarly, even winning teams have to follow a dress code that include Business Casuals(European standards).

FIDE states that a player will not be permitted to play till they are abiding by the dress code.