“Alisher Usmanov, who is close to the Russian authorities, has been the head of the federation since 2008. In 2022, he stopped his powers after being included in the sanctions lists of the USA, the European Union, Great Britain and several other states”, — write: www.radiosvoboda.org
The businessman is under sanctions due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The statement of the federation states that Usmanov made the decision in order to ensure the effective work of the sports body. The executive committee of the organization ratified the decision, reports Sports.
Close to the Russian authorities, Usmanov has been the head of the federation since 2008. In 2022, he stopped his powers after being included in the sanctions lists of the United States, the European Union, Great Britain and several other states. The duties of the president of the federation were carried out by Emmanuel Katsiadakis, now he will return to work.
Despite the removal, on November 30 at the congress in Tashkent, the Russian billionaire was re-elected to the post. He was nominated by 103 national federations and supported by a vote of 120. The only rival was Sweden’s Otto Drakenberg, who won 26 votes. The decision was criticized by the Fencing Federation of Ukraine.
“The Federation realized a long time ago that appeals to conscience and humanity do not make any impression on foreign sports officials,” its statement reads.
During the presidency of Katsiadakis in the international federation, none of the Russian fencers were admitted to the Olympic Games in Paris in a neutral status. At the 2016 and 2021 Olympic Games, they won three and four gold medals, respectively.