Russian oligarch and Putin’s friend Usmanov elected as president of the International Fencing Federation

The titled Ukrainian sabre fencer condemned the decision of the FIE Congress to appoint Alisher Usmanov as the organization’s president.

Two-time Olympic fencing champion Olha Kharlan commented on the election of Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov as president of the International Fencing Federation (FIE).

The Ukrainian fencer shared an Instagram story where she harshly criticized the FIE Congress’s decision.

“The FIE Congress decision in the presidential election… No, I’m not surprised. Unfortunately. Yes, I am disappointed in the world of fencing. Disappointed in those who decided to play ‘this game.’

120 federations… That’s a lot. So yes. A big disappointment. No more words,” Kharlan wrote.

The elections for the head of the organization took place on November 30 in Tashkent. In the voting, Usmanov received 120 votes, while his opponent, the president of the Swedish Fencing Federation, Otto Drakenberg, garnered 26.

Previously, Usmanov served as president of the International Fencing Federation (FIE) from 2008 to 2022. He stepped down after the European Union imposed sanctions on him.

The sanctions were justified by Usmanov’s “particularly close ties” with the president of the aggressor state, Vladimir Putin.

It is worth noting that at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Kharlan secured two medals: team gold and individual bronze. With these achievements, Olga now has six Olympic medals, making her Ukraine’s all-time record-holder in Olympic medal wins.

Maksym Prykhodko

Ukraine Front Lines

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