Controversial American Grandmaster Launches Scathing Attack on Magnus Carlsen Alleging Him For Planning 'Prearranged Draw' With Ian Nepomniachtchi In World Rapid Championship, 'You broke the rules on camera'

Controversial American Grandmaster Launches Scathing Attack on Magnus Carlsen Alleging Him For Planning 'Prearranged Draw' With Ian Nepomniachtchi In World Rapid Championship, 'You broke the rules on camera'
Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi shared the World Blitz Championship title (Getty Images)

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Controversial American Grandmaster Hans Niemann has reignited the longstanding quarrel with Magnus Carlsen.

Hans Niemann alleged Magnus of prearranging a draw.

Controversial American Grandmaster Hans Niemann has reignited his longstanding quarrel with Magnus Carlsen, accusing the Norwegian of violating rules on camera. This latest barrage of attacks comes after Niemann demanded a formal FIDE investigation into the viral video, that showcased Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi agreeing to share the 2024 World Blitz Championship title. Niemann alleges that Carlsen and Nepomniachtchi have hampered the integrity of professional chess and subsequently urged FIDE to intervene and address the serious concerns. 

Also Read | FIDE CEO slams Magnus Carlsen after he questioned Indian Stalwart Viswanathan Anand's position post disqualification says, 'won't keep silent...'

Hans Niemann Alleges Magnus Carlsen for Setting Up a Prearranged Draw

Niemann's scathing opinion comes after Carlsen clarified that there is no substance in the video and he had never in his life prearranged a draw. Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi were declared joint winners of the World Blitz Championship after a deadlock ensued in their contest, which left the bottom line unfilled. 

This is cause for an investigation by the FIDE Ethics Committee. I can't believe that 2 players who maliciously accused me and tried to ruin my career are openly breaking the rules. The irony simply can't get any worse.

But Carlsen responded on X saying:

I've never prearranged a draw in my career. In the video I'm joking with Ian in a situation with lacking decisive tiebreak rules. This was obviously not an attempt to influence FIDE. It was said in the spirit that I thought FIDE would agree to our proposal. If anything it was a bad joke given the gravity of the situation. I think the match itself showed two players playing high level chess, equally matched and both deserving of a win.

The post received a reaction from Niemann, who did not hold back from speaking out his mind,

You broke the rules on camera, you only thought they would agree to your proposal because you dropped out of the blitz and made ridiculous demands. FIDE will hopefully take a stand and remind us all that no player is above the game. They failed to hold you accountable when you tried to ruin my life, I hope they've learned their lesson. No player is above the game. FIDE's decision will define chess's future. I hope they choose the right side of history.

While this incident has sparked a back-and-forth between the American and Norwegian Grandmasters on social media, it is FIDE that has come under severe pressure to maintain the sport's integrity amidst growing scrutiny.