In Lausanne, Switzerland, Alisher Usmanov, a Russian billionaire, has been re-elected as the president of the International Fencing Federation (FIE), despite ongoing sanctions against him.
The FIE announced through an email that Usmanov garnered 120 votes, securing a majority during the congress held on Saturday in Uzbekistan, where he was born.

Usmanov first took on the role of FIE president in 2008, during which his financial support played a significant role in boosting the sport of fencing.
Following his imposition of sanctions by the European Union in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in March 2022, Usmanov indicated that he would pause his obligations as president until “justice is restored.” In the interim, Emmanuel Katsiadakis from Greece has been serving as the acting president.

On Saturday, Usmanov expressed his gratitude to his supporters and affirmed his commitment to fostering a promising future for fencing.
“I continue to be subject to unwarranted restrictions, which I am currently contesting in court,” Usmanov stated in his announcement.
He further declared, “I have always acted in the best interests of the FIE and will take all necessary actions to ensure that the unjust legal constraints placed on me do not extend to the FIE or its operations.”