Magnus Carlsen's scathing attack on FIDE puts Gukesh on a sticky wicket

Magnus Carlsen's scathing attack on FIDE could affect World Champion D Gukesh's participation in the highly anticipated 'Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T. Challenge' early next year. (read about the freestyle chess event)

On Saturday, World No. 1 Carlsen pulled no punches on FIDE after being forced to quit the World Rapid Chess Championship in New York for violating the world chess body's dress code by wearing 'jeans' to the event.

The Norwegian Super Grandmaster trivialised FIDE's sanction and accused the world chess body of threatening players in the name of 'Freestyle Chess', a variant of the game he co-founded with German entrepreneur Jan Henric Buettner.

"FIDE was actively going after players, trying to get them to not sign for freestyle. They were threatening them that they would not be able to play the world championship cycle if they're playing freestyle. So honestly, my patience with them was not big to begin with," Carlsen told chess content creator Levy Rozman after he announced his exit from the World Rapid event.

Next move: FIDE
FIDE has yet to give its blessings to 'Freestyle Chess', which was introduced last year and is set to return in February 2025 with India's Gukesh and Viswanathan Anand among the nine confirmed participants. Gukesh played the 2024 edition, which Carlsen won.

Within a week of Gukesh's triumph in Singapore, 'Freestyle Chess' announced that the 18-year-old Indian GM has agreed to return to Buettner's private luxury resort at Weissenhaus for the second edition. 'Freestyle Chess' quoted Gukesh as saying: "I’m looking forward to the challenge."

On December 21, 'Freestyle Chess' claimed a tempo by declaring that FIDE has agreed on a 'friendly co-existence'. They quoted FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich in a press release. "Players will not be affected in any way. They can decide on their own and FIDE will not take any negative action," Dvorkovich was quoted.

Two days later, FIDE responded with a comment from Dvorkovich. "I note the press release issued by the Freestyle Chess Players Club. While my quote has been presented accurately, I shall clarify that my decision as FIDE President was based on direct communication with the players. However, the full press release was not agreed upon with me, and it includes significant inaccuracies that mispresent the situation. FIDE remains committed to maintaining transparency and fairness, and we will issue a statement on this matter next week," FIDE said.

Should Carlsen's recent unapologetic outburst impact FIDE's impending statement on 'Freestyle Chess', an event the Norwegian co-promotes, it could force Gukesh to rethink his participation in the high-profile private event. Vishy Anand, who is the Deputy President of FIDE, might also be forced to skip the event if the world body vetoes it.