Sanctions And Setbacks? What Happens If Humpy Koneru Pulls Out Of FIDE Candidates In Cyprus Amid Middle East Tensions

Last Updated:March 19, 2026, 10:35 IST

Koneru expressed concerns about the ongoing war in the Middle East and may withdraw from the Candidates event scheduled to begin on the 28th of March.

Veteran Indian Chess star Humpy Koneru is yet to make a decision on whether she’d be travelling to the FIDE Candidates event, slated to be held at the Cap St. Georges Hotel in Cyprus.

Koneru expressed concerns about the ongoing war in the Middle East and may withdraw from the Candidates event scheduled to begin on the 28th of March.

“I know that alone, I may not be able to change anything. But regardless of whether I play in the Candidates or not, I felt it was important to express what I genuinely feel," Koneru said.

“I’m truly grateful to everyone who has shown their support," she added.

“For those who cannot understand the sensitivity of this situation, I choose to leave it at that," the post concluded.

While it is understood that Pragg, his sister R Vaishali and Women’s World Cup-winner Divya Deshmukh have confirmed their particiaption at the event in Cyprus, and Koneru remains the only uncertaininty.

If the seasoned Indian star opts to sit this one out, she might be handed a fine amounting to around Rs 10 Lakhs, per the FIDE Regulations section 3.5, which stipulate that, “players who fail to provide a satisfactory reason for withdrawal after they have signed the player’s contract may be imposed a fine of up to ten thousand (10,000) euros". However, it will be up to the governing body, FIDE, to have the final call on if the Indian would be fined.

FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky said, “We have discussed the issue with Humpy and agreed on a date by which she will make a final decision. It was in good spirit, and FIDE will not comment on the exact date, but it is reasonable and suited both Humpy and ourselves."

If the Indian were to pull out of the competition, it would prove to be a lucky strike for the ninth ranked Anna Muzychuk of Ukraine, who is in line to replace the 38-year-old.

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