After Germany and Denmark, France is embarking on the path of renunciation. The Fencing World Cup stage in Saint-Maur-des-Fossés (May 19 to 21), in Val-de-Marne, has been canceled by decision of the French Fencing Federation. A decision taken in response to the reinstatement of Russian and Belarusian shooters from mid-April.
“Not being able to honor the requests of the International Fencing Federation (FIE) relating to the reception of Russian and Belarusian athletes on the occasion of the Men’s Epee World Cup scheduled for 19, 20 and May 21 in Saint-Maur-des-Fossés (94), the French Fencing Federation regrets to announce the cancellation of the 2023 edition of the Challenge Monal”, explained the FF Fencing in a press release.
“Sports and governmental institutions such as the municipality of Saint-Maur-des-Fossés are informed of this decision”, specified the French Federation.
A petition against the return of Russians and Belarusians
Since March 10, the date of the FIE’s vote in favor of the return under neutral banner of the banned athletes, the climate has continued to become tense within the world of fencing. 300 active and retired fencers have signed a petition to protest against this decision, and Germany and Denmark have also given up organizing their respective stages of the World Cup.