A dispute between equestrian eventing officials and the international governing body, the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI), is to be considered by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The hearing, which is scheduled for autumn 2025 in Lausanne, Switzerland, represents the latest step in a disagreement over the FEI’s alleged failure to honour the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Eventing Officials Club (IEOC).
The IEOC, which represents eventing officials globally, briefed members on the development during its regional meeting held in the UK at the recent Badminton Horse Trials.
The dispute stems from what the IEOC claims is the FEI’s failure to respect the terms of a MoU between the organisations that governs the IEOC’s rights as an FEI stakeholder, including the right to be consulted on matters affecting Eventing Officials.
In February 2024, the FEI announced the immediate termination of the arrangement. Although the MoU was temporarily reinstated by the FEI Tribunal, since August 2024 the IEOC has not been a recognised stakeholder of the FEI. Notwithstanding that change, the IEOC’s work has continued.
The IEOC argues that the FEI’s actions have undermined the safe and fair governance of the sport by failing to adequately engage with and support the officials who play a critical role in ensuring its integrity, often on a voluntary basis.
Throughout the dispute, the IEOC has made extensive efforts to resolve the matter through alternative means, including repeated offers to mediate, all which have been declined by the FEI. The case is now set to be heard by CAS, the international body responsible for arbitrating disputes in sport, and the IEOC will be represented at the hearing by Morgan Sports Law and Bonnard Lawson.
Andy Griffiths, chair of the IEOC, said: “We, the IEOC, do not wish to see this dispute end up in court. We have always been clear in our desire to resolve this matter amicably through constructive dialogue with the FEI, and we remain open to discussions at any time. However, we are equally determined to ensure that our members’ rights are respected and that the critical role of officials in protecting the safety, integrity and fairness of our sport is recognised.
“Our priority is and will always remain representing our members’ interests and providing a platform for their voices to be heard. While we regret the need to pursue this case, we are committed to doing whatever is necessary to ensure the continued reasonable representation of officials in the governance of eventing.”
About The IEOC
The International Eventing Officials Club (IEOC) was founded in 1998 by Dr Bernd Spingorum (GER), Frederik Obel (DEN) and Jean Mitchell MBE (IRE) to represent eventing officials and advocate for their interests within the sport’s governance structures.
With over 800 members across 110 nations, the IEOC provides a global platform for officials to share experiences, voice perspectives, and contribute to the development and governance of eventing. The organisation is dedicated to promoting the highest standards of horse and rider welfare, safety protocols, and fairness in the sport, ensuring officials’ expertise and insights are integral to its ongoing progression.
IEOC members also play a key role in advancing the sport’s growth and accessibility, helping to broaden its reach to new audiences worldwide.
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