The International Fencing Federation (FIE) has completely reversed its sanctions against senior national teams from Russia and Belarus, allowing athletes to compete under their national flags and anthems once again. The decision, finalized during an Executive Committee meeting, was officially announced by the FIE on June 2.
This move marks a significant shift from previous restrictions, which had seen fencers from both nations competing under a “neutral” designation since April 2023. The 2026 World Championships, scheduled for July in Hong Kong, is set to be the first major international event where these competitors will participate without the “neutral” status.
A timeline of changing restrictions
The original suspension of Russian and Belarusian fencers from international team competitions was imposed in March 2022, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This initial ban was widely reported, including by Suspilne Sport in Ukraine.
Over time, the FIE gradually eased some of these restrictions. In April 2023, the federation permitted athletes to return to the circuit, but only under a “neutral” designation, meaning they could not represent their countries officially. Further easing occurred in May 2025, when the FIE fully lifted sanctions specifically for junior teams from Russia and Belarus, allowing them to compete without restrictions.
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FIE’s decision goes beyond IOC recommendation
The FIE’s latest decision to lift all sanctions for both senior Russian and Belarusian teams stands out, particularly in comparison to recent recommendations from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In May 2026, the IOC had suggested that sports federations lift sanctions specifically against Belarusian athletes, while maintaining the suspension for Russians.
By extending the full lifting of sanctions to both nations’ senior teams, the FIE has gone beyond the IOC’s guidance. The federation cited the principles of the Olympic Charter as the basis for its comprehensive decision regarding athletes from both Russia and Belarus.
Sources: fie.org
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