Russian and Belarusian Athletes, Horses & Officials Prohibited From Participating in FEI Events and All International Equestrian Events Removed From Both Countries

The FEI Executive Board has unanimously condemned the invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces and have agreed on the ramifications to equestrian sport in Russia and Belarus. 

In line with the IOC statement of 25 February 2022 urging International Sports Federations to relocate or cancel their sports events, the FEI Executive Board called on the FEI Secretary General to remove all international equestrian events in Russia and Belarus in the 2022 FEI Calendar in accordance with Articles 112.3 of the FEI General Regulations and 28.2 vi of the FEI Statutes. 

In addition to removing all the Events from Russia and Belarus, the FEI Executive Board also unanimously agreed to freeze all FEI Solidarity and development activities and to cancel or relocate, where possible, FEI Courses for Officials scheduled to be held in Russia and Belarus in 2022.

The FEI Board also announced an Emergency Board Resolution to prohibit the participation of all Russian and Belarusian Athletes, Horses and Officials in international events.

In accordance with Article 20.3 of the FEI Statutes, the FEI Board agreed to:

• prohibit Russian and Belarusian Athletes, Horses and Officials from participating in FEI Events until further notice; 

• exclude the possibility of Russian and Belarusian Athletes (equine and human) and Officials from participating in FEI Events under the FEI flag and/or in a neutral capacity. 

The prohibition came into effect as of midnight CET on Sunday, 6 March 2022 so that FEI Events already in progress, or about to start, are not unduly disrupted. 

The resolution also prohibits, with immediate effect, the display of Russian and Belarusian flags, or their anthems played at, or in connection with, any FEI Events.

The FEI Board also condemned the invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces and the support provided by the government of Belarus.

“It is regrettable that the FEI has needed to take such severe measures, but we need to ensure the safety, integrity and fairness of FEI Competitions during these difficult times,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. 

“We sincerely hope that a peaceful solution can be found as soon as possible.”

EA stands in solidarity with the FEI and the citizens of Ukraine. 

* Supplied by FEI