La International Fencing Federation In the storm. Nearly 3.000 athletes and coaches speak out. " governance failures and corruption within the FIE in an open letter. As athletes, we care deeply about the future of our sport. The governance failures and corruption within the International Fencing Federation threaten the credibility and stability of this sport and must be treated officially " they write, calling for an independent review.
The governance of the FIE has already been under close scrutiny since Alisher Usmanov, re-elected as president in December 2024, stepped aside, leaving Emmanuel Katsiadakis and then Abdelmoneim El Husseiny to take on the role of interim presidentThe signatories also point to controls insufficient "For fencers competing under the status of neutral individual athlete, the additional financial charges imposed on gunsmiths, as well as uncertainties about the schedule.
« We respectfully request the IOC to support the establishment of an independent review or investigative body to examine credible allegations of governance failures and corruption within the FIE. An independent and transparent evaluation is needed to protect the integrity of sport and ensure that fencing does not suffer further harm " the letter emphasizes.
