USA Fencing stated that it was "disappointed, frustrated and disturbed — though not all that surprised — at the outcome of today’s vote" and that "today’s 'yes' vote by more than 80 delegates, while not a direct endorsement of Russia's war, does send a message to the world that a majority of the international fencing community is ready to look the other way and welcome back fencers funded by and supported by the Russian government.

"[14] On March 17, 2023, the World Fencing Federation (FIE) forced Team USA athletes competing at the South Korea Grand Prix to remove ribbons featuring the colors of the Ukrainian flag from their hands.

[15] Ukrainian born-American Olympic fencing coach Yury Gelman said that the FIE was the most corrupt federation in the world.

Lokhanov had also been married to Russian Olympic gold medal-winning fencer Sofia Pozdniakova until they divorced because of political differences.

Ratings are a system of classification for USFA fencers; they are primarily used to seed tournaments, but are also considered to be (very) broad indicators of skill.

[22][23][24] No one was inducted into the Fencing Hall of Fame during the years 1975–1994, due to physical moves and organizational changes, including its takeover by the Amateur Athletic Foundation.

On appeal, an arbitrator reduced the temporary sanctions against him, and he was permitted to go to the Tokyo Olympics as an alternate, although he ended up not competing.

[27][18] He had previously been suspended by Columbia University for a year for sexual misconduct, as a result of the findings of a Title IX investigation of his behavior.

As long as the outcome of this investigation remains unresolved, USA Fencing is obligated to allow Hadzic to compete internationally.

For the past year, we have implemented a safety plan designed to protect athletes, coaches and staff at all tournaments at which Hadzic has been a participant.

The lawyer for the complainant had written to former CEO Kris Ekeren in 2013: "How can the [US Fencing Association], in good conscience, claim its hands are tied and permit the participation of a known rapist into its athletic midst?"

[29] In the wake of that disclosure, USA Fencing's Executive Director/CEO Kris Ekeren and General Counsel Jim Neale both resigned.

[31] In June 2023, due to his sexual misconduct Hadzic was permanently banned by SafeSport, which also imposed no-contact directives upon him.

[32][29][33][34][35] His ban prohibits him from participating "in any capacity, in any event, program, activity, or competition authorized by, organized by, or under the auspices of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), the National Governing Bodies recognized by the USOPC, a Local Affiliated Organization as defined by the [SafeSport] Code, or at a facility under the exclusive jurisdiction of the same.

"[36] In December 2023, SafeSport’s decision to permanently ban Hadzic was upheld on appeal, ensuring that he will never again allowed to compete in U.S. fencing competitions.

[37] USA Fencing issued a statement saying that the decision: "should serve as a stern warning to everyone that conduct that is threatening, harmful or inappropriate toward anyone in our sport will not be tolerated.