The European Fencing Confederation has reinstated the membership of russia and Belarus

This was announced by the russian Minister for Sport, Mikhail Degtyarev, on his social media accounts.

According to him, the decision was taken on 24 June by the Executive Committee of the European Fencing Confederation.

Degtyarev described the decision as “important” for russian sport and claimed that it allegedly confirms the move towards the full restoration of russian athletes’ rights.

Earlier, the International Fencing Federation (FIE) reinstated the rights of russian and Belarusian fencers. From the 2026 World Championships onwards, they will be able to compete in international tournaments under their national flags, with their national anthems and in their countries’ uniforms. This authorisation applies to both individual and team competitions.

The World Fencing Championships will take place in Hong Kong from 22 to 30 July 2026.

It should be recalled that following the start of russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, russian and Belarusian athletes in many sports were suspended from international competitions or were only permitted to compete under neutral status.

Source: Champion