The chess world has been embroiled in controversy recently, starting with a series of incidents during the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championship. The events, including Magnus Carlsen's fines and disputes with FIDE over dress code regulations, have sparked widespread debate and division within the community.
The controversy began during the FIDE World Rapid Championship, where Magnus Carlsen was penalized for wearing jeans, a violation of the tournament’s dress code. Despite being asked to change, Carlsen refused and instead stated that he would change his jeans the next day. FIDE remained firm, and Carlsen ultimately walked off, making a public statement about the matter.
Carlsen later returned for the Blitz Championship, which saw FIDE amend the dress code policy to accommodate the players better. However, the controversies were far from over.
Controversy During FIDE World Blitz Final: Carlsen and Nepomniachtchi's Standoff
The drama continued during the final of the Blitz Championship between Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi. Carlsen opened the match with two consecutive wins, requiring only a draw to secure the title. However, Nepomniachtchi fought back, winning the third and fourth games, bringing the score to 2-2. After a sudden death match that ended in a draw, Carlsen proposed sharing the title. This suggestion was initially rejected by FIDE. It was only after intervention by FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich that Carlsen and Nepomniachtchi were allowed to share the title.
The viral video of Carlsen making the suggestion caused a stir on social media. In the video, Carlsen could be heard telling Nepomniachtchi to play quick draws if FIDE did not agree to their shared title. This led to accusations of match-fixing by some chess Grandmasters and fans.
Carlsen Defends Himself; FIDE CEO Responds
Carlsen responded to the backlash in a statement on X, explaining that his comments in the viral video were meant as a joke, not a serious suggestion. Despite this clarification, FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky publicly criticized Carlsen for his remarks.
Peter Heine Nielsen Defends Carlsen and Criticizes FIDE
In response to the criticism, Magnus Carlsen’s long-time coach, Peter Heine Nielsen, took to social media to defend the Norwegian Grandmaster. Nielsen, who had also worked with Viswanathan Anand in the past, launched an attack on FIDE, accusing the organization of being influenced by the Kremlin.
In a tweet, Nielsen stated:
“No, you literally don’t care that FIDE is being used by the Kremlin’s extreme war propaganda by Karjakin. Several thousand tournaments in illegally occupied Ukraine. Greetings and orders by Putin to ‘neutral’ Russian athletes. Sponsors with ties to Russia. It’s wrong.”
Nielsen’s comments were particularly pointed because the FIDE President, Arkady Dvorkovich, is a Russian politician with close ties to the Russian government. Dvorkovich previously served as Deputy Prime Minister and Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation, raising questions about FIDE's political affiliations.
Further Allegations Against FIDE
The controversy also included accusations from Carlsen regarding FIDE's threats to players participating in the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour. FIDE CEO Sutovsky denied these allegations, urging fans to ask Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh for clarification on the matter.
The Fallout and Ongoing Tensions
The entire episode highlights the increasing tensions between FIDE, its leadership, and some of the world's top chess players. As Magnus Carlsen continues to lead the chess world, the controversies surrounding FIDE's policies and its political entanglements are likely to continue to stir debates within the community.