OREANDA-NEWS  According to France Press, citing the European Fencing Confederation (EFC), Russian fencers have refused to participate in the qualification for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The EFC stated that the only opportunity for the Russians to qualify for the Olympics would have been through a tournament in Differdange, Luxembourg, but the domestic athletes chose not to compete there. The reason for their absence was not made clear, as there was no official explanation letter, according to EFC head Giorgio Scarso.

Earlier, it was reported that Russian rock climbers also refused to participate in the Olympic games in a neutral capacity. Prior to that, gymnasts, archers, and rowers had also withdrawn from the competition.In December 2023, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allowed athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in the Olympic Games in Paris as individual neutral athletes, but with certain conditions. Athletes who support the military actions in Ukraine or have ties to the Russian or Belarusian armed forces and security agencies will not be allowed to compete.

Additionally, team sports representatives from these countries will not be participating in the games.