Ukrainian Olympic fencing champion Olha Kharlan has said she is “disappointed” that Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov has been elected as president of the International Fencing Federation (FIE).
Usmanov has led the organization since 2008, but resigned after Moscow invaded Ukraine in 2022. He has now won the election, which took place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Kharlan, who was ranked world number one in women’s saber for five seasons (2012 to 2021), reacted to this news in a post on Instagram.
“The FIE Congress decision in the presidential election… No, I’m not surprised. Unfortunately, yes, I am disappointed in the world of fencing,” she wrote in the post seen by Ukraineska Prava.
“Disappointed in those who decided to play ‘this game.’ 120 federations… that’s a lot. So yeah. A lot of disappointment. No words anymore.”
AP
The Ukrainian Fencing Federation (UFF) has also spoken out against Usmanov’s election, which he won with 120 votes, over the 26 votes received by Otto Drakenberg, president of the Swedish Fencing Federation.
“The Ukrainian Fencing Federation has long understood that appeals to conscience and humanity make no impression on foreign sports officials,” the UFF said.
It continued: “Therefore, in addition to protesting, the UFF responds to all illegal and immoral actions in terms of law and will continue to do so. These actions ensured the participation of our fencers in the Olympics and the absence of Russians there.
“Our next steps will be determined at an urgent meeting of the Federation’s Presidium, which has already been convened, and after consultation with fencers, coaches, the National Olympic Committee, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine. The Ukrainian Fencing Federation will continue to fight for truth, justice, and every Ukrainian fencer.”
Newsweek has contacted several members of the FIE’s executive committee, via email, for comment. Newsweek has also contacted Kharlan, via DM on Instagram, for comment.
Usmanov is a billionaire who made his fortune in mining, industry telecoms and media, according to Reuters. The Bloomberg Billionaires Index reports that he has a total net worth of $14.4 billion.
The 71-year-old is currently subject to sanctions and a travel ban from the European Union and the U.S.
The FIE became one of the first federations to allow Russian and Belarusian fencers back into competition, after they were banned from international competition following Vladimir Putin‘s invasion of Ukraine.
After his election, Usmanov told Reuters: “Our beloved sport is growing in popularity, despite attempts to turn the world of sport, and fencing in particular, into an arena for some unsportsmanlike battles.”
