Fencing-Fencers urge federation to reinstate checks on 'neutral' Russian, Belarusian athletes
More than 440 fencers from 40 countries 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, follows the FIE's decision to list Russian and Belarusian fencers as 'neutrals' for the July 22–26 World Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia.
The move has sparked criticism, with Ukraine's Fencing Federation saying it is considering unspecified legal action over the inclusion of athletes with Russian military ranks. Russia's war in Ukraine is more than three years old, 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."
The FIE did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.
Last week, the FIE defended its stance, stating that it "underscores the Federation's commitment to peace, fairness, and the global unity of sport."
"Our approach is guided by our duty to protect athletes and preserve the integrity of competition. It is firmly anchored in the Olympic Charter and in our mission to safeguard the values of fencing," the statement released last Friday said.
"The FIE's decision responds to a shared belief that athletes must not bear the consequences of geopolitical events beyond their control."
The European Fencing Confederation also criticised "the lack of independent verification in the eligibility process for so-called neutral athletes."
Ukrainian Olympic multi-medalist Olga Kharlan, disqualified at the 2023 World Championships for refusing to shake hands with a Russian opponent, warned that FIE's decisions could jeopardise the sport's place in the Olympic program.
"We are really close to that moment that we won't be an Olympic sport, because this is not good for the promotion of the Olympic movement," Kharlan told DW.
"To see (Russians) in competitions, it's an injustice for us." REUTERS
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
7 minutes ago
- Straits Times
Trump says BRICS would end quickly if they ever form in a meaningful way
FILE PHOTO: An attendant stands next to South African, Indian, Russian, Brazilian and Chinese flags during a plenary session of BRICS Summit, in Xiamen, China September 4, 2017. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu/File Photo WASHINGTON - U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday repeated his threat to slap a 10% tariff on imports from members of the BRICS group of developing nations and said the group would end very quickly if they ever formed in a meaningful way. "When I heard about this group from BRICS, six countries, basically, I hit them very, very hard. And if they ever really form in a meaningful way, it will end very quickly," Trump said without naming the countries. "We can never let anyone play games with us." Trump also said he was committed to preserving the dollar's global status as a reserve currency and pledged to never allow the creation of a central bank digital currency in America. Trump announced the new tariff on July 6, saying it would apply to any countries aligning themselves with what he called the "Anti-American policies" of the BRICS group. With forums such as the G7 and G20 groups of major economies hamstrung by divisions and the disruptive "America First" approach of the U.S. president, the BRICS group is presenting itself as a haven for multilateral diplomacy. Since issuing the threat, Trump has repeatedly claimed without evidence that the group was set up to hurt the United States and the dollar's role as the world's reserve currency. BRICS leaders have rejected the claim that the group is anti-American. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Critical infrastructure in S'pore under attack by cyber espionage group: Shanmugam Singapore What is UNC3886, the group that attacked Singapore's critical information infrastructure? Singapore Alleged Kpod peddler filmed trying to flee raid in Bishan charged with 6 offences Asia Indonesia court jails former trade minister for 4½ years in sugar graft case Singapore Singapore police in contact with Indonesian authorities over baby trafficking allegations Singapore NTU upholds zero grade for student accused of using AI in essay; panel found 14 false citations or data Singapore 7-year-old girl, cabby taken to hospital after vehicle pile-up in City Hall area Singapore Former NUH male nurse charged after he allegedly molested man at hospital Brazil in February nixed plans to push for a common currency during its presidency this year, but the group is advancing work on a cross-border payment system known as BRICS Pay that would facilitate trade and financial transactions in local currencies. The BRICS group expanded last year beyond Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to include members such as Iran and Indonesia. Leaders at the group's summit in Brazil voiced indirect criticism of U.S. military and trade policies. Trump has also taken aim at Brazil specifically, announcing a 50% tariff rate on its imports, starting in August, and launching a separate investigation into what Washington called Brazil's "unfair" trading practices. REUTERS
Straits Times
7 minutes ago
- Straits Times
Former champions Morikawa, Smith, Oosthuizen miss Open cut
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Golf - The 153rd Open Championship - Royal Portrush Golf Club, Portrush, Northern Ireland, Britain - July 17, 2025 Collin Morikawa of the U.S. in action during the first round REUTERS/Russell Cheyne/File Photo PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland - Former British Open champions Collin Morikawa, Darren Clarke, Zach Johnson, Stewart Cink, Louis Oosthuizen, Padraig Harrington and Cameron Smith missed the cut mark of one over par at Portrush on Friday. Australian Smith, the winner at St Andrews in 2022, finished on eight over, one shot better than Ireland's Harrington, the twice champion who had the honour of hitting the opening tee shot in the tournament. Major champions Adam Scott, Jason Day, Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed also failed to qualify for the weekend. Six-times major winner Phil Mickelson did make the cut on level-par, along with Sweden's Henrik Stenson who beat the American in an epic final-round showdown to lift the 2016 Claret Jug at Troon. REUTERS
Straits Times
7 minutes ago
- Straits Times
Trump says Brics ‘will end very quickly' if they ever form in a meaningful way
An attendant stands next to South African, Indian, Russian, Brazilian and Chinese flags during a plenary session of Brics Summit, in Xiamen, China on Sept 4, 2017. WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump on July 18 repeated his threat to slap a 10 per cent tariff on imports from members of the Brics group of developing nations and said the group would end very quickly if they ever formed in a meaningful way. "When I heard about this group from Brics, six countries, basically, I hit them very, very hard. And if they ever really form in a meaningful way, it will end very quickly," Mr Trump said without naming the countries. "We can never let anyone play games with us." Mr Trump also said he was committed to preserving the dollar's global status as a reserve currency and pledged to never allow the creation of a central bank digital currency in America. Mr Trump announced the new tariff on July 6, saying it would apply to any countries aligning themselves with what he called the "Anti-American policies" of the Brics group. With forums such as the G-7 and G-20 groups of major economies hamstrung by divisions and the disruptive 'America First' approach of the US president, the Brics group is presenting itself as a haven for multilateral diplomacy. Since issuing the threat, Mr Trump has repeatedly claimed without evidence that the group was set up to hurt the United States and the dollar's role as the world's reserve currency. Brics leaders have rejected the claim that the group is anti-American. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Critical infrastructure in S'pore under attack by cyber espionage group: Shanmugam Singapore What is UNC3886, the group that attacked Singapore's critical information infrastructure? Singapore Alleged Kpod peddler filmed trying to flee raid in Bishan charged with 6 offences Asia Indonesia court jails former trade minister for 4½ years in sugar graft case Singapore Singapore police in contact with Indonesian authorities over baby trafficking allegations Singapore NTU upholds zero grade for student accused of using AI in essay; panel found 14 false citations or data Singapore 7-year-old girl, cabby taken to hospital after vehicle pile-up in City Hall area Singapore Former NUH male nurse charged after he allegedly molested man at hospital Brazil in February nixed plans to push for a common currency during its presidency this year, but the group is advancing work on a cross-border payment system known as Brics Pay that would facilitate trade and financial transactions in local currencies. The Brics group expanded in 2024 beyond Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to include members such as Iran and Indonesia. Leaders at the group's summit in Brazil voiced indirect criticism of US military and trade policies. Mr Trump has also taken aim at Brazil specifically, announcing a 50 per cent tariff rate on its imports, starting in August, and launching a separate investigation into what Washington called Brazil's "unfair" trading practices. REUTERS
