News

EFC President Attends the Elections 

On 20 September 2025, the Mediterranean Fencing Confederation (MFC) held its elections in Noisy-le-Grand, France, as a sign of strong European support, with EFC President Pascal Tesch personally attending the assembly following the invitation of the incumbent president. President Tesch congratulated the newly elected officials under the leadership of José Luis Abajo and emphasised the strategic role of the Mediterranean Confederation within the EFC, noting that the MFC serves as an important bridge connecting three continents: Europe, Africa and Asia. 

 

A New Era for Mediterranean Fencing 

At the centre of the elections stood José Luis Abajo, a former Spanish épée fencer and Olympic bronze medalist at the 2008 Beijing Games, who was elected as the new President of the Confederation. Abajo, also President of the Spanish Fencing Federation, brings both international sporting prestige and strong administrative experience to his new role, alongside with a strong support from all stakeholders. 

 

Executive Committee Confirmed 

The elections also shaped the Executive Committee that will work alongside President Abajo. Vincenzo De Bartolomeo, Marketing Responsible of the European Fencing Confederation, was appointed Secretary General. Philippe Omnès of France — Olympic Champion in foil at the 1992 Barcelona Games — was elected Treasurer, while Ippokratis Manoudakis of Greece and Martina Zmajk of Croatia were confirmed as members of the Committee. The Executive Committee was completed with the election of Samir Hammoudi, candidate of the Algerian Fencing Federation and Ziad El Choury, outgoing president of the Mediterranean Confederation.  

 

Outlook for Mediterranean Fencing 

With a distinguished Olympic medalist as President, a renewed Executive Committee, and the explicit support of the European Fencing Confederation, the Mediterranean body begins its new mandate with solid foundations. The close collaboration between EFC and MFC is set to reinforce the development of fencing across the Mediterranean basin, ensuring that the region remains an active contributor to the growth and vitality of European fencing as a whole.