Magnus Carlsen Admits Relationship With FIDE Remains Strained After Jeans Row

World No. 1 chess player Magnus Carlsen has candidly addressed his strained relationship with the International Chess Federation (FIDE) ahead of the ongoing 2025 FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships in Doha. In interviews conducted on the sidelines of the event, which began on December 26, 2025, Carlsen described his ties with FIDE as not particularly strong, stating, "I wouldn’t say that it’s great" and emphasizing that he "hasn’t really spoken to them" much over the past year. The Norwegian grandmaster highlighted that his participation stems more from personal motivation, family connections with the local organizers, and the Qatar Chess Federation rather than any direct reconciliation with FIDE.

The comments revive memories of the infamous "jeansgate" scandal from the 2024 World Rapid & Blitz Championships in New York, where Carlsen was fined $200 and withdrew from the rapid section after refusing to change out of jeans, which violated the then-strict dress code. He later returned for the blitz event, where he shared the title with Ian Nepomniachtchi amid further controversy. The incident sparked widespread debate about outdated rules in chess, leading FIDE to relax its dress code for the 2025 season by permitting "classic, non-distressed jeans." In a humorous nod to the episode earlier in the year, Carlsen even auctioned the controversial jeans for around Rs 31.5 lakh, donating the proceeds to charity.

Despite the lingering tensions, Carlsen confirmed his return to the Doha tournament after months of uncertainty, noting that he found "some motivation" to compete against the best in a world championship setting. He stressed the event's tradition in Norway and his drive to perform at his highest level, adding that as long as he remains in good shape, he will be a "dangerous man" in both rapid and blitz formats. FIDE has made concessions, including the updated dress code and greater flexibility, signaling efforts to move past the rift, though Carlsen's focus remains on personal and familial ties rather than institutional ones.

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These images reflect Carlsen's competitive intensity amid the tournament's high stakes. The championships, featuring top players like D Gukesh and others, continue to draw attention, with Carlsen's participation underscoring his enduring dominance in speed chess despite ongoing questions about his long-term engagement with FIDE events. As the rapid and blitz sections unfold, fans watch closely to see if the world No. 1 can add to his impressive collection of titles while navigating these complex dynamics.

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