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arXiv · 2601.17169

Complexity of the Feedback Vertex Set Problem in Tournaments with Forbidden Subtournaments

Sophie Spirkl·Yun Xing
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Abstract

In this paper, we consider the complexity of the minimum feedback vertex set problem (MFBVS) for tournaments with forbidden subtournaments. The MFBVS problem in general tournaments is known to be NP-complete. We prove that the MFBVS problem for $W_5$-free and $U_5$-free tournaments is in P, and for $T_5$-free tournaments it remains NP-complete. Moreover, we prove a necessary condition for all $H$ such that the MFBVS problem for $H$-free tournaments is in P. We also show that the necessary condition is not sufficient.

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Sophie Spirkl, Yun Xing. 2026-01-23. Complexity of the Feedback Vertex Set Problem in Tournaments with Forbidden Subtournaments. https://arxiv.org/abs/2601.17169

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