International Fencing Federation allows Russian and Belarusians to compete in teams as neutrals

The International Fencing Federation (Federation Internationale d'Escrime, FIE) has allowed Russians and Belarusians to take part in team competitions as neutrals.

Source: International Fencing Federation press release; Champion, a sports news platform within Ukrainska Pravda’s holding company

Details: The first competition in which they will be permitted to take part will be the 2025 European Championships, set to be held in the Italian city of Genoa from 14 to 19 June.

"Neutral teams, which will be composed of athletes who have been granted AIN status by the FIE Executive Committee, will be allowed to participate in FIE senior team competitions, starting from the 2025 Senior European Championships. The Neutral teams will fence under the FIE flag," FIE said in a statement.

Previously, Russian fencers were allowed to participate in individual events at international tournaments, and Russian junior teams were also permitted to compete.

Background:

• Ukrainian fencer Olha Kharlan was disqualified from the 2023 World Cup because she refused to shake hands with Anna Smirnova, a Russian fencer whom she defeated at the start of the tournament (15-7).
• A representative of Ukraine appealed against the decision, and Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence even publicly stood up for Kharlan. The disqualification was later overturned. 

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