Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has expressed his shock at the International Chess Federation’s (FIDE) harsh dress code enforcement, which led to Norwegian champion Magnus Carlsen storming out a tournament in protest. The diplomat noted that Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelesnky gets away with routinely flouting the formal dress code at official international events, and sporting military-style attire. Speaking to Russia’s Kommersant newspaper on Sunday, Lavrov said: “The fact that world champion Magnus Carlsen was essentially booted out [of a competition] for appearing in jeans leaves me surprised, if not dumbfounded.
” The Russian foreign minister clarified that while not a chess player himself, he follows the game. “Then you need to kick Zelensky out of everywhere over dress code, this would solve many problems,” the official added. Since the escalation of the conflict between Kiev and Moscow in February 2022, the Ukrainian leader has switched from the usual formal dress to military-style outfits, including cargo pants, hoodies and fleece jackets.
On Friday, World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen withdrew from the World Rapid and Blitz Championship after refusing to change out of his jeans. According to a statement by the FIDE released the following day, the Norwegian had breached the dress code, as denim trousers are explicitly prohibited under “long-standing regulations for this event.
” The Federation said the five-time world chess champion had been informed of th.