Alisher Usmanov, a businessman, won the election for President of the International Fencing Federation (FIE) today in Tashkent, TASS reports.
Usmanov secured 120 votes, defeating Otto Drakenberg, President of the Swedish Fencing Federation, who received 26 votes.
“I thank the international fencing family for their trust and support. It confirmed my decision to run for the FIE presidency! I couldn’t ignore the 103 national federations that backed my candidacy. I deeply appreciate every federation that voted for me,” Usmanov said after his victory.
He also addressed the sanctions imposed against him, which he challenged in court.
“I have always prioritised the FIE’s interests. I will continue to take every necessary step to protect the FIE and its activities from these legally baseless sanctions,” he added.
Usmanov, 71, first assumed the FIE presidency in 2008. He voluntarily resigned on 1 March 2022.
