Hans Niemann Slams Magnus Carlsen Over Rule Violation at World Blitz Championship

 

American grandmaster Hans Niemann reignited his feud with Magnus Carlsen, accusing the world number one of breaking rules during the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championship. The controversy arose after Carlsen jokingly proposed splitting the World Blitz title with Ian Nepomniachtchi, a move Niemann and others called inappropriate.

 

“You broke the rules on camera, assuming they’d agree because of your demands,” Niemann wrote on X. “FIDE needs to remind us that no player is above the game.”

 

A video showed Carlsen humorously suggesting that if FIDE didn’t accept their proposal, he and Nepomniachtchi could play repeated short draws until FIDE relented. While Carlsen later clarified that it was a joke made in light of unclear tiebreak rules, the remarks sparked backlash on social media.

 

Chess players like Niemann, Srinath Narayanan, and Susan Polgar criticized the comment, with Niemann calling for FIDE to take a stand. “This decision will shape the future of chess. I hope FIDE chooses the right side of history,” he added.

 

Carlsen defended himself, stating, “I’ve never prearranged a draw in my career. The match showcased two players at their best, both deserving of the title.”