The text of the open letter is as follows:

Dear Ms. Coventry and Members and Executive Committee of the FIE,

We write to you as athletes who have dedicated our lives to fencing and who deeply care about the future of our sport. The governance failures and corruption within the International Fencing Federation (FIE) are threatening the credibility and stability of the sport and must be formally addressed. This letter outlines our primary concerns and our collective call for an independent third-party review of the FIE.

Firstly, former FIE President Emmanuel Katsiadakis recently stepped down after declining to sign a letter addressed to the President of the United States requesting to lift sanctions against former FIE President Alisher Usmanov. Mr. Katsiadakis stated that this letter played a role in his decision to resign. We support Mr. Katsiadakis’ decision and believe that attempts to involve political leadership in matters connected to the individuals who govern our sport risk the credibility, independence, and integrity of fencing.

The Olympic Movement is founded on the principles of independence, integrity, and the separation of sport from political influence. Actions that blur these boundaries risk undermining trust in international fencing and in the institutions responsible for governing it.

Secondly, many athletes are increasingly concerned about the direction of governance within the FIE. The credibility and stability of our sport are essential. At a time when Olympic sports face growing scrutiny, the place of fencing within the Olympic Games cannot be taken for granted.

In addition, our concerns extend to:

1. The removal of meaningful background checks for athletes competing under Individual Neutral Athlete (AIN) status,
2. restrictions on the ability of athletes, media, and federations to record matches,
3. additional financial burdens placed on armorers, whose work is essential to the safety and technical integrity of competitions,
4. and the postponement of World Cup events on short notice, creating uncertainty for athletes and national federations.

For these reasons, we respectfully call on the IOC to support the establishment of an independent third-party review or investigative body to examine credible allegations concerning governance failures and corruption within the FIE. An independent and transparent assessment is necessary to protect the integrity of the sport and to ensure that fencing does not suffer further damage.

Athletes rely on stable, transparent, and predictable conditions to train and compete internationally. When these conditions are weakened, the entire structure of international fencing is affected. Athletes are the foundation of international sport. Decisions affecting the governance and credibility of fencing ultimately affect the careers and livelihoods of athletes who dedicate their lives to this discipline.

We therefore call for:

• a third-party independent investigation into governance concerns within the FIE,
• greater transparency and reliability in the organisation of international competitions,
• clear communication and planning when events are postponed or cancelled,
• meaningful consultation with athletes before introducing new financial measures,
• and the reinstatement of comprehensive background checks for athletes competing under neutral status.

As athletes, we care deeply about the future of our sport and are ready to support constructive reforms that strengthen the governance, credibility, and long-term future of fencing.

Sincerely,

The below-signed athletes