Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt’s El-Husseini makes history as first non-European President of International Fencing Federation
Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports, made a phone call today to Captain Abdel Moneim El-Husseini to personally congratulate him after the General Assembly of the International Fencing Federation (FIE) officially ratified his election as President of the FIE – marking the first time a non-European has ever held the position.
During the call, Dr. Sobhy described the victory as a historic milestone for Egyptian sport and a testament to the immense international trust placed in Egyptian expertise at the highest levels of global sports governance.
“This unprecedented achievement adds a new chapter to the distinguished record of Egyptian sports leaders who have proven their ability to lead international institutions with excellence and distinction,” the minister said, stressing that the Egyptian state, under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, continues to fully support national cadres in securing influential global positions that elevate Egypt’s standing worldwide.
El-Husseini’s election was formally approved by the FIE General Assembly after he secured an overwhelming majority in the Executive Committee vote held last April in Switzerland, winning 19 out of 20 votes.
The new FIE President’s career has been crowned with remarkable contributions. He previously served two consecutive terms as Vice President of the International Federation and played a pivotal role in developing fencing across the Arab world, Africa, and globally. Domestically, Egyptian fencing flourished under his leadership, culminating in Egyptian athletes reaching world podiums and winning an Olympic medal at Paris 2024, alongside widespread growth of the sport in the region.
In recognition of his lifelong dedication, the FIE had already inducted El-Husseini into its “Lifetime Hall of Fame.”
This landmark appointment adds to the growing list of prominent Egyptians holding key international and continental sports positions, further confirming the rising global influence of Egyptian expertise and reinforcing Egypt’s leadership on the international sporting stage.