Russian fencers do not plan to return to competition in the “proposed format”

The President of the Russian Olympic Committee Stanislav Pozdniakov ured this Thursday that he did not envisage the return of his fencers on the international scene in the “format proposed” by the IOC, leaving the hypothesis of a Russian boycott for the Olympic qualifications. The first qualifying events for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games (April 21-24) have already taken place without Russians.

“It’s really a badly disguised exclusion toolkit”

“As far as fencing in particular is concerned, I have spoken several times with members of the national team about the proposed comeback format. And I can say that none of them have considered and are considering the option of participating in international tournaments within the existing restrictions”wrote Stanislav Pozdnyakov on Telegram. “It is in fact an ill-disguised toolbox of exclusion, not to mention the discrimination and double standards still applied on the basis of nationality. »

The International Fencing Federation (FIE) was the first to authorize the return of Russian and Belarusian athleteson March 10, 2023. She then followed the IOC recommendationsencouraging the reintegration of athletes from both countries under neutral banners and as individuals, provided they have not actively supported the war in Ukraine and are not under contract with the Russian army or security services.