The decision in early March by the International Fencing Federation to reinstate Russian fencers, a first in international sport, continues to make waves. More than 300 fencers from around the world have since signed a petition to oppose it. Friday, after cancellations in Denmark and Germany, the French Federation (FFE) announced that it would give up organizing the Monal challenge in Saint-Maur initially scheduled for May 19 to 21. “We have no guarantee for a serene and sustainable organization. For the moment, we have just had a simple press release from the IOC, which is not clear enough, especially in terms of the neutrality of the athletes. There are too many uncertainties, ”explained the president of the FFE Bruno Gares.
Authorized therefore, now to participate in competitions under certain conditions, it is Russia which is now counter-attacking. This Sunday, she announced that she would not send her fencers for the World Cup to foil in Poznan (Poland) from April 21 to 24, qualifying for the 2024 Olympics. “Will Russian foil fencers compete in Poland? Of course not, this is unacceptable,” said Russian Fencing Federation President Ilgar Mamedov.
“It’s a specifically political statement, nothing to do with sport here”
Poland has indeed asked Russian and Belarusian athletes to sign a written document stating that they do not support the offensive in Ukraine and that they are not employed by the army or a Russian security body. , while respecting established neutrality criteria. “The Polish Federation forgot that it was a sports federation, not a political one. Unfortunately, everything is mixed up. This is a specifically political statement, nothing to do with sports here. These provocative conditions will not allow us to participate in these competitions. Everything is done for this, ”continues Mamedov.
The showdown between Russia and the Authorities therefore continues. On March 28, 2023, the IOC recommended the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes under a neutral banner and in an individual capacity, without however deciding on the possible participation of these athletes in the Paris Olympic Games in 2024. The Russian Olympic Committee had already judged these “discriminatory” reinstatement criteria.