The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has addressed security concerns regarding the upcoming Candidates Tournament in Cyprus, emphasizing that comprehensive safety protocols and contingency plans are in place to handle “extreme” scenarios.
Cyprus, located near West Asia—a region currently experiencing military tensions following recent American and Israeli actions against Iran—has raised questions about the safety of the event. The island also experienced a drone attack on a British air base earlier this month.
Due to these security issues, Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy withdrew from the tournament, which begins this Saturday and will determine contenders for the men’s and women’s world chess titles.
FIDE responded by stating, “Cyprus is a safe country to travel. There is no emergency situation, and the country continues to operate normally. All necessary measures are in place to ensure a secure, comfortable, and well-organized environment for all participants, media, and guests,” addressing concerns raised by other competitors, including Hikaru Nakamura.
Nakamura, who has been in Cyprus for several weeks, recently reported experiencing disruptive power cuts during his stay. FIDE dismissed such claims, stating that power outages are extremely rare and typically brief. It highlighted a recent incident on March 13, which caused outages in some areas but lasted only a few minutes before restoration.
The federation also reassured that the tournament venue at Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort is equipped with backup power generators to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply throughout the event.
Regarding safety in extreme scenarios, FIDE explained that the hotel has its own shelter facilities, and while such circumstances are purely hypothetical, infrastructure is in place to protect all participants and guests. The venue is situated in western Cyprus, away from sensitive military zones and not aligned with any routes related to the ongoing Middle East crisis.
FIDE confirmed that flight operations in Cyprus remain normal and that the organization is maintaining close contact with local authorities to monitor the situation. The federation reiterated that contingency plans are in place, emphasizing that the safety and well-being of players, officials, media, and guests remain their top priority.