News

Following on from a unanimous vote of no confidence in President Pozdnyakov’s ability to hold the position of EFC President and his subsequent response, the EFC Comex has called for an Extraordinary Congress to be held on 31 May 2022.

The vote of no confidence took place on 20 March where concerns about the President’s conflict of interest regarding the ban on Russian (and Belarussian) athletes and officials, the arbitration case against the FIE and EFC raised by the Russian Fencing Federation, along with his failure to take the appropriate action to remove himself from office were discussed. Furthermore, the President’s disregard of several EFC Comex decisions and his failure to seek Comex ratification for making decision on behalf of the EFC, were considered.

Following the decision, Mr. Pozdnyakov responded by posting a notice on the EFC’s official website that the vote of no confidence had failed, that he remained President and that “business continues as normal”.

The vote of no confidence is an indisputable fact. Mr. Pozdnyakov has not responded to this matter with the necessary urgency, forcing the EFC to call an Extraordinary Congress to ratify the decision.

Finally, the Comex position remains in line with the FIE. Contrary to Mr. Pozdnyakov’s assertion, business does not continue as normal during a time of Russian aggression against the Ukrainian population and that it is deeply concerned that he has not been addressing the seriousness of the situation. His conflict of interest has been disregarded. He continues to ignore Comex decisions, declines to talk about the transgressions against the EFC’s safeguarding policies (except through his lawyer) and now in his latest communication, has waived aside a vote of no confidence.

The Extraordinary Congress will take place at 10:00 CET on 31 May 2022.

Decisions will be communicated thereafter.