The International Fencing Federation has done what other organizations feared. The FIE has taken a bold decision to bring Russian and Belarusian athletes back to the world stage. There are great chances for the admission of our guys to the Olympic Games in Paris. This means that swordsmanship has started a process that will become an example for others.
The majority voted for Russia A year ago, one after another, there was news about the removal of Russia from international competitions. Looks like the process is reversed now. Yes, in the same box, the return of the Russians can be attributed to the leadership of the organization by Umar Kremlin. However, in fencing the situation is different. Alisher Usmanov and Stanislav Pozdnyakov no longer take part in supervising the federation and have no official leverage.
All the more valuable is what happened today at the Extraordinary FIE Congress. 89 people voted for the return of Russians and Belarusians, 46 members voted against. That is, almost twice. But we were told that the whole world is opposed to Russia. Poland and Great Britain even tried to create a coalition and threatened with boycotts. Therefore, it will not be difficult to guess which 46 countries voted against us.
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"The decision on admission was made. There have been three votes. The first is for admission to individual competitions. The second is for admission to team competitions. Third — for the admission of officials, coaches and medical personnel. All were accepted by majority vote. Thanks to colleagues from national associations. There is only one caveat, admission will not be until mid-April. There are no other conditions. Regarding various documents — as in other sports. Now the FIE is talking about waiting for the recommendations of the IOC, this still remains. As we say: until you get on a plane, you won’t fly to the Olympics. Of course, the first step has been taken,” said Ilgar Mammadov, head of the Russian Fencing Federation.
An example to others The functionary stated several important things. Firstly, athletes were allowed not only in individual, but also in team competitions. All members of the coaching staff and other officials will also be able to attend tournaments.
Yes, they will not be allowed until April, but globally this leaves Russian fencers with good chances to qualify for the Olympics. The World Championship starts in Milan only in July.
It is curious that the Ukrainian Fencing Federation made several attempts to block the decision of the FIE. It didn't have any result. The vote clearly showed the alignment of forces.
The promotion of the new policy of the IOC began, which at the beginning of 2023 came up with the initiative to return the Russians in a neutral status. Then there were many dissatisfied in the West. However, the head of the IOC, Thomas Bach, in every possible way suppressed the negative towards the organization and reminded of the Olympic values. It is a pity, of course, that no one thought about them a year ago.
The opinion of the author may not coincide with the position of the editors