The International Fencing Federation (FIE), which was the first to decide in March to return Russians and Belarusians to international tournaments, has not agreed on a list of athletes from Russia who are allowed to compete abroad. As a result, the Russians will miss the Grand Prix in Seoul on April 27-29, which is the first qualifying competition for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

According to the President of the Russian Fencing Federation (RFF), Ilgar Mamedov, they have not yet been granted the right to participate without explanation, and there is no list of athletes, coaches, staff and medical staff.

"We have repeatedly warned that you will delay and we will not be able to participate. We were told that everything is fine, don't worry, you will be in time, but we see the opposite," TASS quoted Mamedov as saying.

The head of the RFF said he would demand the cancellation of the Seoul stage.

"We will write a letter to cancel the Grand Prix. If we couldn't go, let them cancel it. We have sent everything we needed to," Mamedov said in an interview with Match TV.

Recall that the Polish Fencing Union (PZS) refused to hold the Women's Foil World Cup, which had included Russians and Belarusians. The tournament was scheduled for April 23 in Poznan.

Earlier, Germany and Finland had announced a similar boycott, followed by France. In addition, Ukrainian fencers have decided that they will not participate in competitions where representatives of the aggressor countries will compete.

Only verified information is available in our Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!