Magnus Carlsen Denies Match-Fixing Allegations at Blitz Chess World Championship

The chess grandmaster defends his actions, calling the accusations based on a video clip a misunderstanding and a 'bad joke.'

Magnus Carlsen and Jan Nepomniachtchi shared the Blitz Chess World Championship title after agreeing to stop playing at a 3.5:3.5 score due to exhaustion.
A video surfaced suggesting Carlsen proposed pre-arranging draws to pressure the chess federation FIDE, which he dismissed as a joke taken out of context.
Carlsen stated he has never prearranged a draw in his career and emphasized that the final match showcased high-level chess between two evenly matched players.
Hans Niemann, a past Carlsen opponent previously accused of cheating by him, called for an investigation into the incident, citing potential rule violations.
FIDE approved the decision to share the title after both players expressed fatigue, with Carlsen later acknowledging that the resolution might not appeal to all spectators.