The Ukrainian Fencing Federation said on Friday that it is “deeply shocked and outraged” by the future reintegration of Russian and Belarusian athletes into competitions from April on the decision of the international federation (FIE).
“We are deeply shocked and outraged by this decision and have immediately convened a board meeting to decide on our response to the FIE’s decision and possible appeal,” the body said in a statement.
This Friday, at an extraordinary general meeting held in Lausanne, Switzerland, the FIE became the first international organization to speak out in favor of the reintegration of Russian and Belarusian athletes expelled due to the war in Ukraine.
“Over the weekend, we will hold consultations with members of the federation, athletes, coaches, the National Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Sports,” the Ukrainian organization added.
The federation is protesting against the decision of the FIE, adopted by 65% of the vote, and which “contradicts the categorical objections of the Ukrainian side and its allies.”
This decision by the FIE, “subject to possible future recommendations/decisions by the International Olympic Committee” (IOC), will have practical implications from April, when qualifications for the Paris 2024 Games begin.
This comes a year and a half after the Paris Olympics and at a time when the debate about reintegration is once again roiling the political and sporting scene in France.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly stated that he is categorically against any reintegration of these athletes, even under a neutral flag.
Despite being Ukraine’s allies and supporting it in the war, the United States has spoken out in favor of a compromise under a neutral flag.
In turn, the IOC proposed in January the option of returning these athletes to international competitions on the condition that “they do not actively support the war in Ukraine.”
In Tokyo 2020, Russian fencers won three gold medals.
On March 4, the African Olympic Committees, meeting in Mauritania, expressed support for the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, arguing that they can compete “in all international competitions” under a neutral flag.
A day earlier, IOC President Thomas Bach said it was “too early” to say whether Russia and Belarus would participate in the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
About two weeks ago, the IOC suggested that it would “take into account” the “concerns” shown by 30 countries, including Portugal, regarding the inclusion of these athletes in the Games, which will be held in the Gallic capital from 26 July. and August 11, 2024
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
I’m Dave Martin, and I’m an experienced journalist working in the news industry. As a part of my work, I write for 24 News Reporters, covering mostly sports-related topics. With more than 5 years of experience as a journalist, I have written numerous articles on various topics to provide accurate information to readers.