FIDE Confirms Candidates Tournament Will Proceed in Cyprus Amid Regional Tensions
FIDE Confirms Candidates Tournament Will Proceed in Cyprus Amid Regional Tensions
Last Updated: March 16, 2026, 20:15 IST
In a bold move amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) has reaffirmed that the highly anticipated Candidates Tournament will take place in Cyprus as scheduled, starting March 28. FIDE insists that there is nothing “remotely dangerous” that warrants a change of venue.
The tournament, which will determine challengers for the world titles currently held by D. Gukesh in the open category and Ju Wenjun in the women’s section, has drawn scrutiny following a recent drone attack on a British air base on the island. This incident has raised concerns about safety, particularly in light of the ongoing regional conflict involving US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
However, FIDE’s chief executive, Emil Sutovsky, has dismissed calls for relocation, emphasizing that Cyprus is not directly involved in any conflict. “Cyprus is not too far from the conflict zone, but at the same time, it is not directly involved in any way and is not in a state of war,” Sutovsky stated in an interview with Chessbase. He further reassured that there is “no emergency situation or anything like that.”
Players Weighing Their Options
Despite FIDE’s confidence, some players are reconsidering their participation. Indian chess star Koneru Humpy has expressed concerns about the security situation and is contemplating withdrawing from the women’s Candidates event. India boasts a strong presence in the tournament, with Divya Deshmukh and R. Vaishali also qualifying for the women’s section, while R. Praggnanandhaa represents the country in the open category.
The Candidates Tournament features eight players in both the open and women’s categories, with the winners earning the right to challenge for the world championship later this year.
Government Support
Sutovsky also highlighted the unwavering support from the Cypriot government, which recognizes the significance of the event. “The government fully understands the status of this event and its importance. The President of the country is scheduled to personally open the tournament on March 28,” he noted.
FIDE is considering various scenarios, but Sutovsky firmly believes that the current situation does not justify postponing or relocating the tournament. “We are considering various scenarios, even the most unlikely ones. But we firmly believe that the current situation provides no grounds or reasonable reasons to postpone the date or move the tournament from Cyprus,” he affirmed.
As the chess world gears up for this prestigious event, all eyes will be on Cyprus, where the clash of intellects will unfold against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty.