‘Magnus wasn’t keen to…’: Viswanathan Anand says the foundations are the foundations on the denims row at FIDE, no exceptions for world No.1

Magnus Carlsen, the world’s prime chess participant, left the FIDE Fast and Blitz World Championship in controversy after refusing to adjust to the event’s gown code. The transfer comes after Carlsen was fined for sporting denims, which is prohibited by FIDE rules, on the second day of the occasion.

FIDE vp and former world champion Viswanathan Anand mentioned the governing physique had no alternative however to implement the foundations. “He merely refused to observe the foundations, leaving us with little alternative,” Anand informed Chessbase India. “Right now this resolution appeared transferring to me. Magnus wasn’t able to compromise.

Carlsen’s refusal to vary denims earlier than the ninth spherical resulted in his exclusion from the event pairs. Based on Anand, FIDE supplied Carlsen a number of alternatives to conform. “The referee mentioned that so long as Magnus modified his denims earlier than the ninth spherical, every little thing could be high-quality. However Magnus mentioned he wouldn’t do it on precept,” Anand defined.

The five-time world champion’s principled stance has created a storm within the chess world. “All the opposite gamers observe the foundations. Ian Nepomniachtchi was requested to vary, and he did. That’s why he was in a position to proceed,” Anand mentioned.

When requested if he had spoken on to Carlsen, Anand mentioned he had solely contacted the participant’s father, Henrik Carlsen, for clarification. “He mentioned they weren’t going to concede. So I left,” Anand added.

The incident sparked debate over whether or not strict adherence to decorate codes is crucial for chess tournaments or whether or not FIDE’s enforcement lacks flexibility. Anand argued that the choice was purely procedural. “The referee utilized the foundations and we supported him. It was not a step we wished to take,” he mentioned.

Carlsen’s dramatic departure highlighted the rift between him and FIDE, elevating questions on whether or not his stance was an remoted incident or an indication of deeper tensions with the governing physique.