Nearly 3,000 athletes, coaches lobby IOC’s Kirsty Coventry as concerns rise over fencing federation
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Fencing athletes and coaches have told IOC president Kirsty Coventry in an open letter that "governance failures and corruption" in the sport are threatening its credibility.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- Almost 3,000 athletes and coaches demand an independent review of "governance failures and corruption" in the FIE via an open letter to the IOC.
- FIE faces scrutiny over sanctioned Alisher Usmanov's re-election as president. Former interim president resigned after refusing to seek sanctions lifting for Usmanov.
- Athletes cite poor neutral athlete background checks, event disruptions, and financial burdens. They urge the IOC to back an independent review for transparency.
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LONDON – Almost 3,000 athletes and coaches sent an open letter to International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Kirsty Coventry and the International Fencing Federation (FIE) leadership on May 5, calling for an independent review of what they call “governance failures and corruption” in the governing body, says a copy of the letter seen by Reuters.
The letter argues that fencing has been destabilised by turmoil at the top of the FIE with disputes over leadership, transparency and decision-making.
This includes the fallout around former president Alisher Usmanov’s return and complaints about opaque rule changes, event disruptions and weaker safeguards surrounding neutral athletes.
“As athletes, we care deeply about the future of our sport,” says the letter.
“The governance failures and corruption within the International Fencing Federation are threatening the credibility and stability of the sport and must be formally addressed.”
FIE interim president Abdel Monem El-Husseiny did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The FIE has faced scrutiny since Russian-Uzbek billionaire Usmanov, who led the federation from 2008 to 2022, was re-elected president in November 2024.
He had already stepped aside in 2022 after being sanctioned by the European Union following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He was later also sanctioned by Britain and the US.
Usmanov voluntarily suspended his duties as FIE president in December 2024, saying he wanted to avoid the sanctions affecting the federation.
But his re-election drew criticism from Ukraine and others, who said a sanctioned Russian oligarch should not hold a position of influence in international sport.
The letter being sent by athletes and coaches on May 5 says the sport needs “stable, transparent, and predictable conditions” and urges the IOC to back an external review to help restore confidence in the FIE.
The athletes say former interim president Emmanuel Katsiadakis stepped down after refusing to sign a letter addressed to US President Donald Trump, which sought the lifting of sanctions against 72-year-old Usmanov.
According to the letter, the Greek said that episode played a role in his decision to resign.
In their letter, the athletes say their concerns extend to the removal of meaningful background checks for those competing under Individual Neutral Athlete status, restrictions on athletes, media and federations recording bouts, added financial burdens on armourers and the postponement of World Cup events at short notice.
They also call for an independent investigation into governance concerns within the FIE, greater transparency in the organisation of competitions, clearer communication when events are postponed or cancelled, consultation with athletes before new financial measures are introduced, and the reinstatement of comprehensive background checks for neutral athletes.
The letter said they are ready to support reforms aimed at strengthening fencing’s governance, credibility and long-term future. REUTERS
