The Ukrainian Fencing Federation (FFU) has filed a complaint with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) about the International Fencing Federation’s (FIE) inaction in the case of Ukrainian saber fencer Olga Kharlan. This information is posted at: official website organizations.
“The complaint is a continuation of the fight against Olga Harlan’s unfair and embarrassing disqualification after her duel with so-called neutral fencer Anna Smirnova from Russia at the 2023 World Championships and other illegal actions of the FIE.” reads the statement.
On 27 July, Harlan defeated Smirnova 15:7 in the 1/32 final of the World Championships in Milan. Following the victory, Harlan refused the forced handshake, considered incomplete from the fight, and left the track. Smirnova waited for 45 minutes for her opponent to complete the fight in accordance with the rules. The Russian saber fencer left only after meeting with the authorities. Harlan was later disqualified and was not allowed to fight in the 1/16 finals.
On July 28, the International Fencing Federation (FIE) Executive Committee canceled Harlan’s disqualification, which had allowed him to participate in team competitions.
Ukraine’s Minister of Sports and Youth, Vadim Gutzeit, said the International Olympic Committee would grant Harlan an additional Olympic license if he could not participate in the 2024 Games.
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