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Norwegian chess legend Magnus Carlsen has reignited tensions with FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky, this time over a sartorial controversy at the 2025 Grenke Chess Freestyle Open. The five-time world champion, who has long criticized FIDE’s governance—including allegations of coercion and unfulfilled promises during the Freestyle Chess Tour negotiations—added another chapter to their strained relationship.
Despite Carlsen’s flawless 9/9 victory at Grenke, Sutovsky seized on a viral post-tournament photo to question the dress code for elite players, signaling that their feud remains far from resolved.
Emil Sutovsky targets Magnus Carlsen’s casual style
The latest clash centers on Carlsen’s choice of attire during the Grenke prize ceremony, where he sported jeans—a wardrobe staple that previously sparked drama at the 2024 World Rapid and Blitz Championships.
Back then, Carlsen was disqualified mid-tournament for refusing to swap his jeans for formal wear, eventually withdrawing in protest. Now, Emil Sutovsky has reignited the debate, posting a photo of Carlsen and other top grandmasters at Grenke with a pointed query:
“Do you, as a spectator, feel it really does not matter?”
The FIDE CEO’s social media thread invited feedback from fans, sponsors, and broadcasters on whether relaxed attire undermines chess’s prestige.
“If you were the host/organizer, would you welcome similar attire?” he pressed, hinting at stricter dress codes for future FIDE events.
For Magnus Carlsen, the criticism echoes past friction. After his 2024 disqualification, he skipped the Rapid event entirely and only competed in the Blitz tournament under negotiated terms—a compromise that still ended with a shared title and lingering animosity.
A history of clashing priorities
Carlsen’s disdain for FIDE’s regulations isn’t new. The chess prodigy has repeatedly distanced himself from the governing body, focusing instead on platforms like the Esports World Cup and Chess.com.
“I’m not really interested in what FIDE are doing,” he told Reuters recently, doubling down on his independent streak. “FIDE’s crown jewel is the classical world championship… none of us are going after that.”
This stance reflects a broader ideological divide. Carlsen champions innovation and accessibility, often prioritizing fan engagement over tradition. Emil Sutovsky, meanwhile, views formal attire as integral to maintaining chess’s gravitas—a stance that clashes with Carlsen’s casual, modern approach.
Why this feud
The dress code debate isn’t just about jeans; it’s a proxy war over chess’s identity. Magnus Carlsen’s Grenke dominance—achieved in relaxed clothing—proves that excellence isn’t tied to suits. Yet Sutovsky argues that professionalism in presentation is key to attracting sponsors and broadcasters.
“We will inquire the opinion of hosting countries, sponsors, broadcasters,” he wrote, signaling a potential crackdown.
For Carlsen, the issue is personal. His 2024 disqualification left him sidelined during a premier event, and Emil Sutovsky’s latest remarks suggest FIDE remains unwilling to bend. “The ugly war with FIDE is over,” Carlsen claimed earlier this year, but their ongoing skirmishes tell a different story.
As FIDE revisits its dress code policies, Magnus Carlsen’s influence looms large. The Norwegian’s ability to draw crowds and media attention gives him leverage, but Sutovsky’s regulatory authority ensures FIDE holds the rulebook. Whether compromise is possible—or if Carlsen will continue bypassing FIDE events—remains unclear.
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