Estonia will not host Fencing Euro 2026 after refusing entry to Russian and Belarusian athletes

Denys Shakhovets - 23 January, 15:57

Two fencers duel on the piste. Photo: Estonian Fencing Association

The European Fencing Championships in 2026, due to be held in Estonia, has been moved to France.

Source: ERR, Estonian Public Broadcasting company

Details: The International Fencing Federation (FIE) made this decision on 14 January but Estonia was only informed now, through the secretary general of the Estonian Fencing Association, Aivar Paalberg.

Estonia won the right to host the European Fencing Championships in 2024. However, in November last year the FIE eased the rules for athletes from Russia and Belarus to obtain neutral status.

These changes played a key role in the decision to relocate the event because Estonian authorities refused to allow athletes into the country regardless of citizenship or military rank. As a result, Estonia said it would not make exceptions for athletes from Russia and Belarus.

Quote from Aivar Paalberg: "At first, athletes from Russia and Belarus were allowed to compete in individual events under neutral status provided they were not linked to the military. Later this requirement was removed. Now an athlete can be a member of the [Russian] Armed Forces."

Background:

The European Fencing Championships 2026 will now take place in the French city of Antony in the summer.
The FIE has also allowed Russian junior athletes to compete under their own flag and anthem at international competitions.

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