Susan Polgar on Magnus Carlsen vs FIDE feud over wearing jeans: ‘This could have been avoided’

For/against every single time! The problem was not about the jeans!

I have read countless comments and posts about the “jeans” incident that took place yesterday at the World Rapid Chess Championships. Just like any major chess incidents in the past, there are clearly 2 sides.… pic.twitter.com/ui4kuPoNmn

— Susan Polgar (@SusanPolgar) December 28, 2024

Susan in a long post on X pointed out how the situation could have been diffused.

Here are a few points Susan made

🔴 The FIDE rules without a doubt could have been written clearer and better, even if the context (rightly or wrongly) stays the same.

🔴The penalties written in the FIDE rules without a doubt should have provisions (for arbiters and appeals committee members to have the flexibility not to damage the integrity of the event while protecting the rules) for various circumstances. Here is an example: The tournament is held in a business district and not a shopping district. This was later in the day. What if this was another player who does not (could not afgord) stay in a nearby hotel? How can he/she get new clothes/shoes between rounds? So, should the solution be the same for someone who stays 2-3 minutes walking distance to the venue vs someone who stays 30 minutes away by taxi/subway in NY City, and especially someone who does not know NY City as well as I do.

🔴The players, especially the ones with much more powerful voices could/should have spoken out against all rules they feel are stupid/illogical PRIOR to the event, and NOT after an incident. These top players could have united well in advance and forced FIDE to reconsider/change/modify the rules PRIOR to the event. The problem is many top players simply do not care. They signed the legal contract or agreed to the FIDE rules to participate in the World Championships then complain about it when they do not get their ways.

Magnus Carlsen is disqualified by FIDE for violating the dress code. (Magnus Carlsen | X)

🔴The interpretation of the rules (what is a trouser and/or jeans?) was erratic and inconsistent.

🔴Magnus could have reacted differently. But rightly or wrongly, this was the path he clearly chose, and I will not one to judge his decision. Only he can do that.

🔴Magnus could have appealed to the Appeals Committee. I was the Chairperson of the Appeals Committee during the last Chess Olympiad in Budapest a few months ago. Various serious incidents came up and we handled it professionally and quietly, while protecting Fair Play Rules as well as the integrity of the Chess Olympiad. FIDE supported our bold decisions based on common sense without prejudice to any party (players or FIDE).

🔴 Magnus still could show up for round 10 today, and/or play in the Blitz Championship. But only he can make that decision.

Susan also asked the top chess players to stand up and so that such incidents can be avoided in the future.

“The question is will the players, especially the top ones with powerful voices, stand up, unite and come up with revised rules for future World Championships/big events, or will the same history repeat itself like all other major incidents in the past?

“Some believe all incidents are great because they generate big publicity and all publicity, negative/positive are good,” she said.