Top-ranked chess player Magnus Carlsen is set to return to the World Blitz Championship on Monday after a dispute over dress code has been resolved. The International Chess Federation’s governing body agreed to relax its rules, allowing players to wear jeans with jackets.
Carlsen had refused to change out of his jeans in another tournament earlier this week, leading to a $200 fine and denial of a late-round game. However, he stood by his decision, citing the need for comfort and not wanting to disrupt his concentration during games.
In a statement, International Chess Federation President Arkady Dvorkovich acknowledged that the situation was “badly mishandled” on the federation’s side. He agreed to allow players to make minor deviations from the dress code, including wearing jeans with jackets.
Carlsen expressed relief at the decision and thanked fans for their support during the dispute. In a video posted on social media, he said he would play in the World Blitz Championship and wear his preferred attire. “I think we sort of all want the same thing,” he said. “We want the players to be comfortable, sure, but also relatively presentable.”
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/magnus-carlsen-jeans-dispute-resolved-chess