Fide offered alternate venue for Candidates after Koneru Humpy raises security concerns: ‘Maximum safety and reliability’

Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy had recently raised concerns over the upcoming Candidates Tournament taking place in Cyprus due to USA and Israel's ongoing conflict with Iran in the vicinity, and has been considering withdrawing from the tournament altogether.

While Cyprus doesn't quite fall in the Middle East, the fact that a British air base in the Mediterranean nation was targeted in a drone attack on 1 March has led to a sense of unease among players set to take part in the prestigious tournament from 28 March to 16 April. This despite the presence of warships belonging to US and Israel's European allies as well as the Turkish Air Force for safety.

FIDE is yet to announce a change in venue for the 2026 Candidates. And with a little over a week to go for the tournament, it is highly unlikely the Switzerland-based governing body will be considering such a drastic move.

Will Fide consider Germany for Candidates 2026?

But if they were to consider taking such a step, they certainly do have alternatives in hand, with tech billionaire and WR Group Chairman Wadim Rosenstein offering to host the tournament in Germany on an emergency basis with "maximum safety and reliability for all participants and officials".

More from Chess

"Dear chess friends, I am closely following the current situation in Cyprus and understand that it is becoming increasingly critical. With Humpy Koneru reportedly considering participation in the Candidates Tournament, it becomes even more important to ensure that all players can compete in a safe and stable environment," Rosenstein wrote on X.

"In this regard, FIDE has already been informed of our readiness to support and provide an immediate solution if required. Should it be necessary, we stand ready to act immediately. We can organize the Candidates Tournament in Germany, ensuring maximum safety and reliability for all participants and officials. Germany offers world-class infrastructure and security – conditions essential for an event of this importance," he added.

Humpy is one of two Indians competing in the women's section of the Candidates tournament alongside Divya Deshmukh – the two having qualified for the tournament as the runner-up and winner respectively of last year's Women's World Cup in Georgia.

R Praggnanandhaa, on the other hand, is the lone Indian in the 'Open' section, having qualified as the winner of the 2025 FIDE Circuit.