Overview

• The FIE Executive Committee’s late June decision scrapped its independent vetting process and now grants neutral status based solely on an oath declaration.
• Over 400 athletes signed an open letter calling for revocation of all Russian and Belarusian entries until strict IOC-compliant screenings are reinstated.
• European Fencing Federation president Pascal Tesch issued a letter condemning the FIE for ignoring repeated calls for transparent negotiations on neutrality rules.
• Olympic sabre champion Jana Jegorjan and world team champion Sofja Welikaja, both holding military ranks, have been approved to compete as neutral athletes.
• Critics warn that abandoning rigorous military-affiliation checks undermines fair play and could threaten fencing’s Olympic standing amid persistent Russian influence under oligarch Alisher Usmanow.