The International Fencing Federation (FIE), amid the scandal with the disqualification of the Ukrainian saber fencer Olga Kharlan, canceled the rule of mandatory handshake between athletes after the fight. It is reported by La Repubblica. FIE representatives at the conference announced that the incident between Harlan and Russian Anna Smirnova led to a change in the rules of fencing. Now the traditional handshake after the fight will be replaced by a remote greeting, which will allow the Ukrainians not to approach the Russians, even if they act as neutral athletes. Harlan's disqualification at the World Fencing ChampionshipsRecall that on July 27, Harlan was disqualified from the 2023 World Fencing Championships due to her refusal to shake hands with Russian Anna Smirnova after defeating her in the first round match of an individual tournament. Instead of a handshake, Harlan invited her opponent to “hit” with sabers. However, Smirnova rejected the proposal of the Ukrainian woman and staged a provocation. The Russian saber fencer did not leave the fencing track for more than 50 minutes and filed a protest against the Ukrainian due to the lack of " Olga herself emotionally commented on the disqualification scandal in a video message. Harlan also named the perpetrators of her disqualification at the World Fencing Championships.
Amid scandal, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) granted Harlan an automatic license for the 2024 Olympics. IOC President Thomas Bach sent a letter to the fencer, where he assured of solidarity with Ukrainian athletes.
The media wrote that the International Fencing Federation (FIE) canceled Harlan's disqualification at the World Championships. However, the FIE then issued a shameful statement, explaining that Harlan's suspension had not been lifted, but only suspended.. The organization still considers the “black card” for a Ukrainian woman legitimate. Earlier it was reported that Harlan faces a long suspension due to the provocation of a Russian woman at the World Fencing Championships..