FEI dismisses request to lift UAE’s ban

The FEI has dismissed a request from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Federation to lifts its suspension from the sport of endurance.

Investigation

The FEI provisionally suspended the UAE National Federation on 12 March following an investigation into major horse welfare issues and non-compliance with FEI rules and regulations.

The UAE requested an interim lift of the band prior to a full hearing at a later date. However the FEI tribunal stated: “It finds that the appellant’s [the UAE] interest in having the suspension lifted does not outweigh the FEI’s interest in protecting horse welfare.”

Issue passports

The FEI also ruled its headquarters would continue to issue passports for non-endurance horses from the UAE, in order not to “hinder the participation of non-endurance athletes to compete internationally”.