The International Fencing Federation (FIE) has made a bold decision to allow Russian athletes to compete in international competitions. Such a step opens the way for our athletes to the Olympics in Paris. However, in Poland they can go to extreme measures and refuse Russians a visa and entry into the country where the World Cup stage will take place. Poles should be deprived of the right to hold competitions for this, but will sports officials take such a step?
How Poland can ruin everything
Fencing was one of the first sports that ignored the political component and allowed Russian athletes to participate in tournaments under its auspices. The FIE leadership has created a powerful precedent, because earlier such decisions were made by federations with a strong Russian lobby, as in boxing, sambo and chess. We were also offered to compete in tennis, NHL and cycling.The move of the FIE is indicative of the fact that Alisher Usmanov stepped down as president of the International Fencing Federation last spring. Despite this, members of Congress voted for Russia's return to the world stage. Moreover, we were accepted back not only in individual, but also in team competitions, and also allowed the medical and coaching staffs. It is not yet very clear whether it will all be in a neutral status or still with a flag and an anthem. But globally, a step forward has been made.Our fencers should receive official permission in April and theoretically they can compete at the World Cup in Poland, one of the stages of selection for the Olympic Games. And here the most interesting begins. Poland is one of the main opponents of the return of Russia in any sport, they even tried to organize a coalition against us together with Great Britain.
Possible sanctions against the Poles< br>The IOC has already stated several times that it is categorically against any interference in the affairs of the organization and will not tolerate threats and manipulations. But in Poland they can act more simply and tritely not give permission to Russian fencers to enter the country.
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"Documents for visas to Poland are being collected. If they don't? Let them not. We will serve,” said Ilgar Mammadov, head of the Russian Fencing Federation. he will receive a black card and disqualification. A similar question, in fact, was raised at the FIE Congress on March 10, where they clearly thought out the procedure in case of threats from countries such as Poland. Therefore, the Poles may face a choice — to lose the chance to qualify for the Olympics or to accept the decision of the International Fencing Federation. Moreover, if they deliberately do not issue a visa to the Russians for the World Cup, they risk losing the right to host competitions.
So Mamedov is absolutely right in his intention to apply for a Polish visa. Refusal for a fictitious reason is unlikely to please the FIE, and even more so the IOC, which also took the initiative to allow Russian athletes, albeit in a neutral status.