Russia’s Usmanov praises global support as he aims for FIE presidency

MOSCOW, October 29. /TASS/. Russia’s Alisher Usmanov expressed gratitude on Tuesday to the 103 national member federations of the International Fencing Federation (FIE) that backed him for president of the organization.
Usmanov noted in his statement earlier in the day that this widespread support reflects the achievements of the FIE over the past 15 years.
Reports indicate that Usmanov was officially nominated to run for president of the global governing body for fencing on October 28. In total, 103 FIE member federations either nominated him or voiced their support for his candidacy.
“I consider the nomination and support for my candidacy in the elections for President of the International Fencing Federation (FIE) by more than 100 national federations across the world as a sign of trust and recognition of the achievements of international fencing over the last 15 years,” Usmanov said in his statement.
“I would like to thank each of the 103 federations, as well as the sports managers who supported me, for their kind words,” he continued.
“At the same time, the procedure for electing the FIE president is regulated by the statutes of the organization, and we should wait for the Congress of the International Fencing Federation, which will take place at the end of November in Tashkent,” Usmanov continued.
“As before, I remain committed to my favorite sport and I wish the international fencing community further success and new sporting victories ahead,” he added.
The election for the new FIE president will take place on November 30 during the federation’s Congress in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. There are two candidates running currently for FIE president, with former Swedish Olympian Otto Drakenberg challenging Usmanov for the post.
Usmanov, 71, previously served as the president of the International Fencing Federation between 2002 and 2022. He also served as the president of the Russian Fencing Federation in 2001-2009 and was at the helm of the European Fencing Federation (EFF) between 2005 and 2009.