Alisher Usmanov Eyes Return to FIE Presidency Amidst Controversy

Alisher Usmanov, former president of the International Fencing Federation, has been nominated to return to his post following his resignation due to sanctions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Nominated by 103 federations, Usmanov faces competition from Swedish Olympian Otto Drakenberg at the congress in November.

Alisher Usmanov, the Russian-Uzbek businessman who previously served as the president of the International Fencing Federation (FIE), is making a bid for a return. Usmanov, who temporarily stepped down from his role after the Russian invasion of Ukraine led to sanctions against him, has been nominated for another term.

Since Usmanov's departure, Greek interim president Emmanuel Katsiadakis has led the FIE. Now, Usmanov seeks to reclaim his position with backing from 103 national federations. The election is set for the congress in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on November 30.

Competing against him is Swedish former Olympian Otto Drakenberg, noted for raising human rights issues at a previous FIE congress. The federation, which initially banned Russian and Belarusian fencers after the invasion, has since allowed them to return to competition.

(With inputs from agencies.)