India, Feb. 7 -- The first week of February saw the chess world caught up in controversy as the Freestyle Chess Players Club failed to reach an agreement with FIDE over organising their own world championship tournament. The FCPC received official recognition from the international body just before 2024's year-ending World Rapid and Blitz Championship.

In an official statement by FCPC, it was revealed that they had received official recognition and talks were being held over organising a Freestyle World Championship. Meanwhile, after his infamous jeans scandal in New York, Magnus Carlsen, who also co-owns FCPC, accused FIDE of threatening players from participating in the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour.

Hindustan Times contacted Freest...