German TV channel admits defaming Usmanov

In August, German TV channel ARD aired a report on fencing at the Paris Olympics, alleging that billionaire Alisher Usmanov had bribed judges. ARD has since acknowledged that the claims were false, according to a report by RBK, citing Usmanov's press service.

The broadcast originated from the German public broadcasting company "Westdeutscher Rundfunk" (WDR), which accused Usmanov of establishing a bribery system within the International Fencing Federation (FIE). WDR has admitted that its report, published on ARD and its website, was misleading and included contradictory information.

"The German broadcaster "Westdeutscher Rundfunk" published a report on ARD and on its website, later banned by the Hamburg court, which included false claims about Usmanov’s involvement in creating a corruption system within the International Fencing Federation," the press release stated, adding that the broadcaster had waived its right to appeal.

In August 2024, ARD released multiple articles and video reports on fencing at the Paris Olympics. ARD journalist Joachim Zeppelt alleged that Usmanov had orchestrated a scheme to influence referees in the sport, citing as an example Georgian fencer Sandro Bazadze, who unexpectedly lost in the round of 16 reportedly due to biased officiating.

Then in October, the Hamburg court issued an order barring the dissemination of “unsubstantiated news based on suspicion” in the case of Usmanov against Zeppelt. Following this, ARD removed the report containing the allegations. However, on October 8, Usmanov filed a request with the Cologne prosecutor’s office to initiate criminal proceedings against Zeppelt.

Notably, Usmanov, who has led the International Fencing Federation since 2008, was temporarily suspended from his role as president on March 1, 2022, following EU sanctions. The European Union accused him of supporting Russian figures linked to instability in Ukraine, leading to the imposition of these sanctions.