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

In total, 103 FIE member federations either nominated him or voiced their support for his candidacy

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 president of the International Fencing Federation (FIE) is scheduled for November 30 during the federation’s Congress in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Emmanuel Katsiadakis from Greece currently serves as the interim president of the FIE.

In addition to Usmanov, the other candidate nominated for the presidency is Sweden’s Otto Drakenberg, whose candidacy was supported solely by the Swedish Fencing Federation.

Usmanov, 71, has held the presidency of the FIE since 2008 but voluntarily suspended his powers on March 1, 2022. He also served as the president of the Russian Fencing Federation from 2001 to 2009 and led the European Fencing Federation (EFF) from 2005 to 2009.

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