Magnus Carlsen makes honest admission about relationship with FIDE: 'I wouldn't say that it's great'

Magnus Carlsen has spoken openly about his relationship with the International Chess Federation (FIDE) on the sidelines of the 2025 FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships in Doha, Qatar. The tournament began on Friday, December 26, and Carlsen started his campaign with a win against Italy’s Lorenzo Lodici in Round 1 of the Rapid category.

However, it was his comments off the board that drew attention. Before the tournament kicked off, the former world champion revealed that he was not contacted by FIDE about taking part in the event. Carlsen said that his decision to play in Doha had more to do with his personal relationship with the local organisers rather than FIDE.

Carlsen explains his relationship with FIDE

He explained that his bond with Grandmaster Mohammed Al-Mudahka and the Qatar Chess Federation was a key reason behind his participation. “I love playing and coming here. I know that nothing except my best is acceptable and that motivates me too. As for my relationship with FIDE, I wouldn’t say that it’s great. My family’s relationship with Mohammed and the Qatar Chess Federation is much more important,” Carlsen said.

Magnus on his Relationship with FIDE 🥶

Edit: @ram_abhyudaya#chess #chessbaseindia #magnuscarlsen pic.twitter.com/I2MuBiz8XW

— ChessBase India (@ChessbaseIndia) December 26, 2025

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The Norwegian star has had a complicated relationship with FIDE in recent years, especially after the jeansgate row in New York during the previous World Rapid & Blitz Championships. Before one of his games in Rapid round, Carlsen showed up in jeans instead of formal clothes, prompting FIDE officials to publicly reprimand him.

He was fined and asked by the arbitrator to change his attire immediately, but he refused and walked out of the venue. Carlsen then withdrew from the Rapid tournament and criticised FIDE for its handling of the incident. He later came back to compete in the Blitz section, where he ended up sharing the title with Ian Nepomniachtchi.

The incident triggered a heated debate within the chess world, with many arguing that strict dress codes are outdated. FIDE changed the dress code for its 2025 season and allowed players to wear “classic, non-distressed jeans.” Carlsen had also auctioned his controversial jeans this year for a whopping Rs 31.5 lakh, donating the amount to a charity.