FEI meets with UAE delegation
The FEI has met with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) delegation regarding its suspension from Endurance events due to horse welfare concerns.
The FEI Bureau provisionally suspended the UAE National Federation earlier this year following an investigation by the FEI into major horse welfare issues.
The FEI also found non-compliance with FEI Rules and Regulations in the discipline of Endurance.
Held at FEI headquarters in Lausanne, the meeting discussed the actions needed to be undertaken by the UAE National Federation, before the FEI can consider lifting the suspension.
“This was a very constructive meeting, during which we informed the National Federation exactly what they need to do before there can be any possibility of the suspension being lifted”, said FEI Secretary General Sabrina Zeender.
“We are now writing to them to explain all the elements they need to fulfil and requesting a detailed plan on how they will deliver on this and the timelines involved. The meeting, which we hope was the first in a series, was only possible following the withdrawal of the UAE’s appeal against the suspension.”
The FEI say that it was made clear to the UAE delegation that only the FEI Bureau can lift the suspension.
They also confirmed that the suspension will remain in force until the Bureau has agreed that all necessary processes have been put in place to ensure horse welfare at all times, and that FEI Rules and Regulations will be fully implemented and enforced.