The International Fencing Federation (FIE) has confirmed the authorization for individual neutral athletes (AIN) to participate in its official competitions, in accordance with the principles of the Olympic Charter and the statutes of the Federation itself. The recently announced decision strengthens the organization’s commitment to fairness, inclusion, and the international unity of sport, amid a context marked by geopolitical tensions.

The measure will allow athletes who meet specific eligibility criteria to compete under a neutral designation, without officially representing their countries. This policy will apply to key events on the 2025 calendar, such as the Junior and Cadet World Championships and the Senior World Championships, in line with FIE’s mission to protect athletes and uphold the integrity of the sport.

Neutrality with clear rules and a humanitarian focus

To compete under AIN status, athletes must submit a sworn declaration of neutrality, commit to the Olympic Movement’s values of peace, and follow the rules and guidelines set by the FIE. Their participation will be overseen by an Eligibility Review Panel, and any violation may result in the revocation of neutral status, exclusion from tournaments, and further sanctions. They will compete under the FIE flag and anthem, with no national symbols.

The Executive Committee of the FIE emphasized that this policy stems from the duty to protect athletes, preventing them from being punished for circumstances beyond their control. “Our approach is firmly rooted in the Olympic Charter,” they stated. For the Federation, fencing must remain a space of unity and hope, where athletes are judged by their performance, not their nationality or political background. Thus, the FIE upholds the tradition of sport as a tool for reconciliation and a bridge between cultures.