🌍 FIE POSTPONES WORLD CUP EVENTS AMID MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT
Updated: Aug 14
LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND — 2 MARCH 2026
The International Fencing Federation (FIE) has announced the immediate postponement of three major World Cup events scheduled for this coming weekend. The decision comes in response to the escalating military conflict in the Middle East, which has triggered widespread travel disruption, including significant airspace closures and the cancellation of international flights across the region.
The affected competitions, which were set to feature hundreds of elite fencers from around the globe, are:
Cairo (EGY): Foil World Cups (Men & Women) — Originally March 5–8
Padua (ITA): Men’s Sabre World Cup — Originally March 6–8
Athens (GRE): Women’s Sabre World Cup — Originally March 6–8
A Priority on Safety and Fairness
In an official communiqué sent to all National Federations, the FIE cited "inherent uncertainty" and the logistical impossibility for many delegations to either reach the venues or guarantee a safe return home.
The governing body classified the situation as force majeure, emphasising that the safety of the "fencing family" remains the absolute priority. Additionally, the FIE noted the need to ensure the integrity of the season rankings, preventing a situation where entire national delegations are deprived of participation due to circumstances beyond their control.
"This decision was taken in order to ensure, as a matter of absolute priority, the safety of the entire fencing family, and to ensure that delegations are not deprived of participation for reasons beyond their control," the FIE stated.
Looking Ahead
The FIE Executive Committee is reportedly monitoring the situation on a daily basis and is in active dialogue with local organisers in Egypt, Italy, and Greece to identify potential new dates for the events.
While the fencing calendar is already densely packed, officials are working to minimise the impact on the remainder of the 2025–26 season. National Federations have been advised that they will be updated as soon as new arrangements are confirmed.
