The International Fencing Federation (FIE) has lifted all Ukraine conflict-related restrictions imposed in 2022 on Russian and Belarusian athletes. The governing body will now permit them to compete under their national flags and anthems.
The decision takes effect starting with the 2026 Senior World Championships in Hong Kong, scheduled for July 22 to July 30. The FIE stated that the move reflects its commitment to the fundamental principles of the Olympic Charter, including non-discrimination, equal treatment, and the universality of sport.
Numerous Olympic federations barred athletes from Russia and Belarus across dozens of sports in 2022. However, a number of international sporting bodies have since permitted some to compete individually under a neutral flag, while a few organizations have dropped the bans altogether.
Russian and Belarusian fencers were previously allowed to return to individual international events under a neutral flag in March 2023. Restrictions were similarly relaxed for team events in late 2025.
Last month, the World Gymnastics Executive Committee likewise cleared Russian and Belarusian gymnasts to return to international competition after being banned for more than four years. This made it the fifth Olympic federation to allow representatives of the two countries to participate under their national flags.
Other federations that have lifted their bans include those governing judo, taekwondo, and aquatic sports, as well as the governing bureau of United World Wrestling. Russian officials have repeatedly accused Western nations of politicizing sport and pressuring federations to exclude their athletes, as well as of applying double standards with respect to other countries involved in armed conflicts.
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