The Russians and Belarusians having been allowed to return to international competitions, Germany announced on Thursday that it no longer wished to organize the Women’s Foil World Cup, scheduled for May in Tauberbischofscheim.
Germany’s decision is likely to snowball. As expected knowing that the Russian army continues its war in Ukraine, the authorization given to Russian and Belarusian athletes, wiped off the map since the beginning of the Russian invasion, to participate again in international competitions ( in individual and team events) does not fail to make people react. And to irritate deeply, to the point for many authorities concerned to already brandish the banner of refusal.
Another example is the German Fencing Federation (DFeB). Thus, while Tauberbischofscheim was preparing to host the Foil World Cup next May, nothing will happen in the end in the German city located in the North-East of the Baden-Württemberg region. The reinstatement of the representatives of Russia and Belarus, decided on March 10 by the International Federation, has in fact prompted the DFeB to give up organizing the event, which should have been the first to mark the return of Russians and Belarusians. .
Germany wants to send a “clear signal”
Through the voice of its president Claudia Bokel, the German body has indicated that it wishes to send a “clear signal” to the world. Without however enjoying having to throw in the towel at the dawn of this second meeting of the Women’s Foil World Cup after Poznan (Poland), and also a qualifier for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
“We would have liked a different outcome and in our view there are still many open questions about the implementation of the decision, which make it impossible to hold the tournament,” said Bokel, determined to show her disapproval and strike. with the same blow of the fist on the table. Without knowing it, Germany may be starting a series here that could well prove to be very long. And the example set precedent.
