More than a year ago, on the advice of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the FIU decided to ban Russia and Belarus after Russia invaded Ukraine. A fervent call by the Ukrainian fencing federation for an extension of the suspension went unheeded by most unions present at the congress.
The FIE saw room for the decision as the IOC plans to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under a neutral flag at the Paris Olympics in 2024. Fencing is the first sport to allow athletes from both countries to compete again under a neutral flag. The first major tournament where Russians and Belarusians will be welcome will be the World Championships in Milan in July.
Russian fencers are among the best in the world. They won three gold medals (eight in total) at the Tokyo Olympics, under the banner of the Russian Olympic Committee.