World No1ย GM Magnus Carlsenย was expelled from the 9th round of theย FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship 2024ย because of the violation of the dress code. Carlsen wore jeans and got fined with $200, being forced to immediately change. Despite his promise to change for the next day, FIDE decided not to pair him for the 9th round and Carlsen withdrew from both Rapid and Blitz events. FIDE published official statement on Magnus Carlsenโs dress code breachย and the social mediaย exploded with reactions.
ECU Secretary General Mr. Theodoros Tsorbatzoglou shared his personal view on the case through his Facebook account, coming to a conclusion that causing such chaos for the last round of the day is poor crisis management by FIDE. Tsorbatzoglou emphasized that FIDE left other major irregularities to pass without consequences: Iranian players boycotting Israelis, and organisation of chess events by Chess Federation of Russia in illegally occupied Ukrainian territories.
The full statement by Mr. Theodoros Tsorbatzoglou is shown below.
“1. Rules are rules/Agree lets implement them to those feel really strong.
Iranian players should face the consequences while they continue to boycott Israeli players during the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz. They have no consequences to bear and continue against FIDE rules.
The Russian Chess Federation has violated the most important clause of the IOC Charter and the FIDE Statutes. They have included in their official structure territories with illegal military occupation by legalising active military action through a sports organisation. They were only fined and continue to do so against the rules.
2. The Magnus case/penalties and escalation
Magnus violated the dress code. Magnus received a fine. Agree. Following his speech, he admitted that he had mistake due to an urgent appointment and promised to behave just as correctly the next day as he had the day before. He did not insist not to comply and he was not protesting against the rules. His attire was decent, normal and not exotic or extreme to play one more round.
In such a case, causing such chaos for the last round of the day is poor crisis management. I note that the final decision on this matter is not CA as is being falsely circulated. Please check the regulations.
If Magnus speech is accurate, then FIDE should accept his apology stay on the fine and tell him he must honour it the next morning. In any legal system, admitting a mistake and being willing to comply does not bring more drastic penalties. If Magnus would not keep his word then further action could be reasonable.
*this is my personal take* and I dont know all events yet but only what is communicated from both sides.“
