Chess champion Magnus Carlsen disqualified from tournament for wearing jeans
CBSJAN 12
Magnus Carlsen Quits World Championship Over Dress Code
Above: Magnus Carlsen plays chess during the 6th TATA Steel Chess India Tournament at Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium. Image copyright: Dipayan Bose/Contributor/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
This shows that FIDE is actively going after players for playing freestyle. Carlsen was rushing from a lunch meeting and given an unreasonable ultimatum to change immediately. The governing body's inflexibility and approach to dress code enforcement demonstrates poor treatment of players and excessive bureaucracy.
Narrative B
The dress code regulations are long-standing, well-communicated rules that are designed to ensure professionalism and fairness for all participants. Carlsen was given ample time to change, and the rules were applied equally to all players. Quitting was smart as there was little chance that Carlsen could have defended his title.