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International Fencing Federation Reverses Sanctions Against Russian and Belarusian Teams
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The International Fencing Federation (FIE) has removed all sanctions against senior Russian and Belarusian national teams. This decision was finalized during an Executive Committee meeting and officially announced by the organization.
Athletes from Russia and Belarus are now permitted to compete in international tournaments under their own national flags and anthems, according to the statement released by the FIE on June 2.
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The organization noted that the 2026 World Championships, scheduled to take place in Hong Kong this July, will mark the first event where these competitors will perform without the status of "neutral" athletes.
According to Suspilne Sport, Russian and Belarusian fencers were originally suspended from international team competitions in March 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. By April 2023, however, the federation allowed them to return to the circuit under a "neutral" designation.
In May 2025, the International Fencing Federation fully lifted sanctions on junior teams from Russia and Belarus, although the suspension for senior athletes remained in place at that time.
Earlier in May 2026, the International Olympic Committee recommended that sports federations lift sanctions specifically against Belarusian athletes, while the suspension for Russians remained unchanged. In its recent announcement, the FIE cited the principles of the Olympic Charter as the basis for its latest move regarding both countries.
"This decision reflects the FIE’s commitment to the fundamental principles of the Olympic Charter, including non-discrimination, equal treatment and the universality of sport, as well as the goals and principles set out in the FIE Statutes." the federation stated.
Russian athletes are expected to resume competition under their national colors for the first time since the sanctions were imposed at the upcoming World Championships, which are set to run from July 22 to July 30 in Hong Kong.
Previously, Poland has announced that it will bar athletes from Russia and Belarus from competing at the 2027 European Diving Championships, the Polish Swimming Federation said.
The Polish federation stressed that as long as Russia’s war against Ukraine continues, athletes representing Russia and Belarus should not be allowed to take part in international sporting events.
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