 "Zhu Jiner said the dress code fine from FIDE disrupted her game, leading to her exit from World Blitz Championships. Image: FIDE on X")
After Magnus Carlsen’s jeans controversy, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) is again facing the heat over its dress code as Grandmaster Zhu Jiner has accused them of “disrupting” her game in the 2024 Women’s World Blitz Championship with a fine.
The 22-year-old Chinese star, who is ranked No.10 in the world, lost in the quarter-finals to R Vaishali as the Indian went on to win the bronze . Zhu Jiner had won the bronze last year in the same competition.
“The actions of the FIDE officials during this crucial stage disrupted my performance, and as a result of this interference, I lost the match, missing the opportunity to advance to the semi-finals—a deeply unfortunate outcome,” Zhu Jiner said in an open letter.
FIDE slammed for raising dress code issue during a match
Zhu Jiner revealed that during the first game of the quarter-finals, she was informed about her boots violating the dress code and a $200 fine which “negatively impacted my performance”. Zhu Jiner added that she had worn the same outfit throughout the tournament and it was “inconceivable” that objections were raised during a match.
“First, I must address the completely inappropriate and unjust fine imposed on me during the tournament. As a player, I have always believed that the utmost respect for the rules and for the players is essential. However, the way this official enforced the rules was neither fair nor respectful," she wrote.
“The clothing I wore—a sweater, trousers, and boots—did not violate any official dress code guidelines. I wore these boots throughout the tournament without any objection from anyone. To suddenly face such interference in the middle of the match, especially when I was so close to reaching the semi-finals, is truly inconceivable.
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View All“If there were concerns about players’ attire, these should have been addressed prior to the match, not during the match, particularly in a blitz format where time is incredibly precious. This situation highlights a lack of understanding of what athletes need and detracts from the very essence of chess. Such interference is unnecessary and weakens the fairness of the tournament.”
Zhu Jiner asks for ‘full resolution’ of the dress code discrepancies
Zhu Jiner pointed out that while she may not receive as much attention as Carlsen, who was disqualified from the World Rapid Championship for wearing jeans but returned for the Blitz competition after FIDE agreed to his demands , the rules must “apply equally to all players”.
“While I may not receive the same level of attention as Mr. Magnus Carlsen, all people are equal, and men and women are equal in every regard. The regulations must apply equally to all players,” Zhu Jiner said.
“I am deeply grateful to the sponsors who organized this event in the heart of New York City, providing an excellent platform for chess. However, the way the officials handled the incident overshadowed the positives of the tournament. This unwarranted interference directly distracted me and negatively impacted my performance. It is no exaggeration to say that this interference led to my loss in the subsequent round, thereby preventing me from advancing to the semi-finals. An official who does not understand his own rules, should not interfere with the players, and should not influence the fairness of the game with his personal will."
She also asked for a “full resolution” of the matter from FIDE. Zhu Jiner added that players “deserve to be treated with dignity and respect” including the governing body adhering to “fair rules”.