“Power and Money: Alisher Usmanov’s Bid to Reclaim Control in Fencing Amidst Ethical Concerns”

**: 's Bid to Regain Control of Fencing** The potential return of Russian oligarch to a position of influence in fencing raises eyebrows, especially considering he is barred from entering the country where the (FIE) is headquartered. This situation highlights the complex interplay of wealth and power in international sports governance. In the realm of sports, there are few exclusive clubs akin to the G7, Brics, or the UN Security Council. Most international federations operate under a "one nation, one vote" principle, which can seem perplexing. As a FIFA executive once remarked, the idea that a small Caribbean nation’s vote holds the same weight as that of Germany or Brazil raises questions about fairness. What if, in a U.S. election, Bill Gates's vote counted more than that of his gardener? This brings us to a critical observation: while the democratic model in sports appears equitable, it often results in a power dynamic where some nations wield more influence than others. Many international sports organizations are effectively run as personal fiefdoms by presidents who enjoy unopposed re-elections, functioning as autocrats. The reason for this lies in the financial dependencies of smaller, less affluent federations on the funding provided by their governing bodies. The electoral power granted to these federations often serves to reinforce the authority of their benefactors rather than challenge it. seeks to re-establish his foothold in fencing, the ethical implications of his potential return cannot be overlooked. The situation underscores the broader issues of governance and accountability within international sports, where financial clout often overshadows the principles of fair representation and democracy.