The Ukrainian Fencing Federation does not understand the decision taken by the FIE.
The Ukrainian Fencing Federation said on Friday “deeply shocked» et «indignantof the future reintegration of Russian and Belarusian athletes in competition from next April, after a decision to this effect taken by the International Federation (FIE).
«We are deeply shocked and outraged by this decision and we immediately convene a meeting of the Presidium to decide our response to the decision of the FIE and its possible appeal.“said the Ukrainian Federation in a press release.
«During the weekend, we will consult with Federation members, athletes, coaches, the National Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Sportsadded the Ukrainian organization.
The Ukrainian Federation said it deplored the fact that the FIE had voted in favor of the return to competition of the athletes of the two countries under a neutral banner, one year after their exclusion due to the war in Ukraine, “contrary to the categorical objections of the Ukrainian side and its allies“. The FIE’s decision comes a year and a half before the Paris Olympics, as the debate over the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in France has gained momentum in recent weeks.
The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, said he was totally opposed to a possible reinstatement of these athletes, including under a neutral banner. He is notably supported by kyiv’s traditional allies such as Poland and the United Kingdom.
But the United States, for example, came out in favor of the neutral banner compromise, while the IOC proposed a roadmap at the end of January to organize the return to competition of athletes under a neutral flag, provided that they do not have “not actively supported the war in Ukraine».