"The FIE Executive Committee was informed of Usmanov's decision to voluntarily suspend the exercise of his powers and duties as FIE president to ensure the effective functioning of the federation. The Executive Committee accepted and ratified Usmanov's decision to ensure the uninterrupted operations of the FIE. Emmanuel Katsiadakis has been appointed as the interim head of the federation," the statement on the FIE website reads.

The Executive Committee's decision will be presented to the FIE Congress for ratification.

On November 30, Alisher Usmanov was elected FIE president, defeating Swedish candidate Otto Drakenberg. The 71-year-old businessman previously served as FIE president from 2008 to 2022. He stepped down from the position following sanctions imposed on him due to the war in Ukraine.