Indian GM Koneru Humpy added to her statement about the possibility of withdrawing from the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament on her X account on March 18:

Koneru Humpy

Koneru Humpy

Indian GM

“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. I’m truly grateful to everyone who has shown their support.

For those who cannot understand the sensitivity of this situation, I choose to leave it at that.”

Humpy’s potential withdrawal from the tournament may violate rule 3.5 of the “Regulations for the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026”. According to this rule, a player who has signed a contract and withdraws without a valid reason may be fined up to €10,000.

FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky commented on the situation. He stated that FIDE discussed her possible withdrawal and set a decision deadline to avoid a penalty:

Emil Sutovsky

Emil Sutovsky

FIDE CEO

“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.”

FIDE regulations state that in case of a replacement, the spot goes to the next highest-ranked player from the “FIDE Women’s Events 2024–2025” series who has not yet qualified. If Koneru Humpy withdraws from the tournament, her spot will be taken by Ukrainian GM Anna Muzychuk, 9th in the ranking.

The FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 will take place from March 28 to April 16 at the Cap St Georges Hotel and Resort in Pegeia, Cyprus. Public concerns about holding the tournament appeared following the start of the US-Israel war with Iran on February 28.

Credit: Lennart Ootes