Evidence found of ‘nationalistic judging’ at Lier

Results from an international dressage competition have been removed from the official rankings, after the FEI found evidence of ‘nationalistic judging’.

Controversy

The judging discrepancies were said to have occurred in the Grand Prix Special test at the CDI3* competition in Lier, Belgium (2 March).

Ukrainian rider Inna Logutenkova won the competition, but her scores varied hugely, with two Ukrainian judges scoring her and her horse Fleraro well into the 70s – whereas the other judges scored her up to 10% lower.

The FEI released a statement on 22 March confirming that the results from the class will not count towards the Olympic and World Rankings.

‘Clear example’

“This was a clear example of nationalistic judging and the FEI takes this very seriously”, FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said. “The FEI has a duty to take the appropriate measures if it is shown that nationalistic judging has occurred.

“Judging at all FEI events must be absolutely fair and the integrity of the competitions and of the judges themselves must be beyond reproach.”

Reaction

The Ukrainian Equestrian Federation has reacted to the news, demanding an apology from the FEI for making the allegations and for removing the results from the rankings without first conducting a hearing.

Despite the amendment to the results, this only affects Inna Logutenkova’s rankings with Fleraro – she will still ride at the Rio Olympics as an individual with her top horse Don Gregorius.