Fencers have been left furious after a movement to support Ukraine athletes has been banned as competitors from Russia and Belarus look set return in the sport from next month.
The International Fencing Federation (FIE) voted in favour of lifting a ban on athletes from Russia and Belarus from international competitions. The reinstatement is “subject to possible future IOC recommendations/decisions, and in compliance with conditions of neutrality and individual eligibility.”
British Fencing are consulting their members about the vote but questioned how Russian and Belarus athletes would remain 'neutral' athletes. They stated: "There was no definition of neutrality given within the proposals by the FIE, and the IOC has yet to make its recommendations in this regard."
