European Fencing Federation reinstates Russia, Belarus — sports minister

MOSCOW, June 25. /TASS/. The European Fencing Federation (EFC) ruled to reinstate athletes representing the Russian and Belarusian Fencing Federations, according to an EFC Executive Committee decision on Thursday, Russian Sports Minister and President of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) Mikhail Degtyarev told TASS.

"The Russian Fencing Federation and the Belarusian Fencing Federation have been reinstated as part of the European Fencing Confederation. The corresponding decision was made by the EFC Executive Committee on June 24," he said.

"Earlier, the International Fencing Federation (FIE) reinstated the rights of all Russian fencers and allowed them to participate in international competitions under the national flag, including team tournaments. Congratulations to the Russian Fencing Federation, all athletes and fans of this sport with another important decision in our favor," Degtyarev added.

In early June, the International Fencing Union had scrapped all previously imposed restrictions on Russian and Belarusian national fencers, allowing them to compete in international tournaments under the national flag and to the tune of the country’s anthem.

Fencers from Russia and Belarus were previously barred from all FIE competitions due to the developments in Ukraine starting in 2022. In March 2024, the FIE allowed athletes from Russia and Belarus to take part in international competitions under a neutral status and in line with recommendations from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

In December 2025, the FIE allowed Russian youth fencers to compete in international tournaments under the national flag and to the tune of the country’s anthem.

In December 2025, the IOC Executive Board issued recommendations that allowed athletes in international federations from Russia and Belarus to participate in youth disciplines under the national flags and anthems.

This recommendation applied to both individual and team sports. Numerous international sports federations followed the proposal.