The International Fencing Federation approved the return of athletes from Russia and Belarus to the international arena

International Fencing Federation (FIE) agreed return of athletes from Russia And Belarus to the international arena subject to the conditions of neutrality and individual admission.

At an extraordinary congress of the federation, a decision was made to lift the ban from athletes. 89 representatives of the federations voted “for” the return of the Russian Federation and Belarus to fencing, 46 votes “against”. This decision will come into effect in the second half of April 2023.

The Fencing Federation of Ukraine twice filed a request to block this decision, but their protest was not satisfied. In addition, the FIE allowed the official representatives of the Russian Federation and Belarus to return to the structures.

Recall that the IOC is ready to consider the possibility of admitting athletes from Russia and Belarus to international competitions. At the same time, everyone who wishes will be required to act in a neutral status. Also, athletes should not support the war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and pass a mandatory doping test.

The Olympic Summit, chaired by IOC President Thomas Bach, unanimously agreed to accept an initiative proposed by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to take part in its competitions. The OCA is developing a special system that will allow Russians to qualify for the Olympics through Asian competitions.

The IOC believes that a complete ban on the performance of Russian and Belarusian athletes is discrimination and is contrary to the Olympic Charter. The organizers of the 2024 Olympics in Paris said they would adhere to the decision of the IOC to allow Russians and Belarusians to compete under a neutral flag.