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Just to clarify on the facts, as gathered from reddit threads:

He wasn't trying to protest the dress code or make a scene, it wasn't on his mind at all. He had been out for an appearance with a sponsor during a break, then came back to the venue for the next round, and didn't notice that he was wearing jeans and it didn't cross his mind that that would be a violation.

Then he was told to change, and there wasn't enough time for him to go do that before the upcoming round. He thought he was told he could do it either after that round or for the next day, but then was told he would be excluded from that round, and at that point he said f--- it and withdrew entirely.

The controversy was about exactly how the penalty is imposed. The rule is a fine for the first violation and disqualification for multiple. It wasn't clear if his appearance for the day would count as one violation (so he could just incur the fine and wear correct clothing tomorrow), or if each round would be a separate violation. It also wasn't clear if he could play while in violation or would be excluded from each round until he changed. Precedent from other events wasn't clear for either of these.

The headline of "disqualified" is wrong and did not happen - he chose to withdraw.

View on HN

4.10.1. The dress code is strictly observed for the tournament and all the official events and press conferences. 4.10.1.1. Dress code for men. Shoes: Oxfords, loafers, leather shoes or boots, classic suite shoes. Dark-coloured pants: black, navy, grey, beige, brown, in any case unicoloured. No bright colours. Long-sleeved light-coloured (white, light blue, beige, brown, etc.), blue or black shirt, in any case unicoloured. No bright colours. Dark-coloured jacket, waistcoat or cardigan with buttons: black, navy, grey, beige, brown, in any case unicoloured. No bright colours. Jacket, waistcoat or cardigan may be taken off during play. Tie is not mandatory. [...] 4.10.1.3. No players with t-shirts, jeans, shorts, sneakers, baseball caps or inappropriate dress are allowed in the playing area. Any requests to wear national or traditional dress shall be approved by FIDE Supervisor. [...] 4.10.9. If a player fails to fulfil his/her duties listed in Articles 4.10.1, 4.10.4 – 4.10.8, he/she can be penalised by FIDE Council as follows: 5% of his/her prize money shall be forfeited to the Organiser and a further 5% to FIDE for each breach. In cases of serious misconduct, the player may be disqualified from the event.

4.10.1.3. No players with t-shirts, jeans, shorts, sneakers, baseball caps or inappropriate dress are allowed in the playing area. Any requests to wear national or traditional dress shall be approved by FIDE Supervisor.