Athletes for Freedom Foundation

In a move that highlights a glaring double standard in global sports governance, Alisher Usmanov, a Russian-Uzbek billionaire sanctioned for his connections to the Kremlin, has been nominated for a return to the presidency of the International Fencing Federation (FIE). This comes despite his withdrawal from the post following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine—the war that led to international sanctions and scrutiny on Russian entities and figures. Usmanov, who has historically invested heavily in fencing through his International Charitable Foundation for the Future of Fencing, initially assumed FIE leadership in 2008, followed by re-elections in 2012, 2016, and 2021. However, his latest term was cut short in 2022 due to economic sanctions and a travel ban imposed by the European Union. The governing body was temporarily led by Greek interim president Emmanuel Katsiadakis, who kept Usmanov’s position open. Now, in a move that has drawn criticism from various quarters, Usmanov ...

The 2024 World Series promises to be a global spectacle as two iconic teams face off, with the Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani and the Yankees’ Aaron Judge headlining the matchup. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his enthusiasm, noting that fans from the U.S. to Japan are eagerly awaiting this clash of baseball’s biggest stars. "This World Series will be special,” Roberts told reporters at Dodger Stadium before Game One. "With our two renowned organizations, it’s going to be watched around the world. It’s unique, and it’s a moment for baseball." Ohtani, already a national hero in Japan, made history this season as the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases, creating MLB’s inaugural 50/50 club. Japanese fans followed his journey closely, and millions tuned in when the Dodgers faced the Padres earlier this month, ...

Stephen Curry Surpasses LeBron James as NBA’s Top Earner   October 23 – Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors' superstar guard and the NBA's all-time leader in three-pointers, is set to become the league's highest-paid player this season, according to a report by Sportico.  Curry’s projected earnings are expected to reach around $155.8 million, combining his salary and income from off-court ventures. This surpasses Los Angeles Lakers icon LeBron James, who is slated to earn $133.7 million.  For the past 11 consecutive seasons, no NBA player earned more than James. The last player to out-earn him was Kobe Bryant during the 2012-13 season. Curry’s income streams go beyond basketball. He has ...