Fencers urge FIE to reinstate checks on ‘neutral’ Russian, Belarusian athletes
Letter signed by members from over 40 countries came after FIE listed Russian and Belarusian athletes as neutral for World Championships
More than 440 fencers from 40 countries have signed an open letter urging the International Fencing Federation (FIE) to reinstate rigorous background checks on Russian and Belarusian athletes competing under neutral status.
The letter, released by the Global Athlete movement on Thursday, followed the FIE’s decision to list Russian and Belarusian fencers as “neutrals” for the World Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia, which run from July 22 to 26.
The move has sparked criticism. Ukraine’s Fencing Federation said it was considering unspecified legal action over the inclusion of athletes with Russian military ranks. Russia’s war in Ukraine has lasted more than three years, after it invaded its neighbour in 2022.
Elite fencers expressed their “deep concern and disagreement” with the FIE’s move to replace broader checks with a declaration of peace and neutrality.
“By removing comprehensive background checks, the FIE risks allowing individuals whose affiliations or actions conflict with the values of neutrality and non-violence to compete under a neutral status,” the letter read.
“The FIE’s decision contradicts the core principles of fencing – respect, integrity, and fair play – and deviates from the approach originally taken by the international sporting community.”