Russian oligarch Usmanov has stepped down as president of the International Fencing Federation.

Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov has resigned from the presidency of the International Fencing Federation (FIE) following an election victory, reports the Swedish Fencing Federation.

Usmanov submitted his resignation after a meeting of the newly elected executive committee of the FIE. He will be replaced by Emmanuel Katsiadakis from Greece as interim president.

Usmanov confirmed his resignation in a comment to journalist Jonathan Crane, saying it was a voluntary decision to avoid sanctions against the FIE.

»Usmanov stated that he would take all necessary measures to prevent restrictions imposed on him, on the FIE, and its activities. For this reason, I announced my resignation as president,» Crane quotes Usmanov.

Alisher Usmanov was elected president of the FIE, replacing Greek Manolis Katsiadakis. However, due to sanctions against him, Usmanov decided to leave his position. He noted that he is also listed in the sanctions of several countries due to his support for Russian aggression.