In a letter for National Federations, the FEI has detailed what the practical implications are on athletes and officials as a result of the suspension of the Emirates Equestrian Federation after major horse welfare issues and non-compliance with FEI Rules and Regulations in Endurance.
For the duration of the UAE NF’s suspension:
Athletes’ Participation
1. Athletes (human and equine) from the UAE NF (Emirati Athletes) are no permitted to participate in any International Events in the discipline of Endurance.
2. Non-Endurance Emirati Athletes are permitted to participate in International Events organized by other NF’s
3. Emirati Athletes are permitted to participate in National Events organized by other NF’s in all disciplines, except the discipline of Endurance.
4. Under the FEI Rules and Regulations the FEI cannot prevent your NF’s athletes from participating in National Endurance Events (or any other National Events) in the UAE; the question of their participation falls under you NF’s responsibility. For the avoidance of doubt, as the UAE ND is still entitled to organize National Events during the period of suspension, such National Events shall not be considered as “Unsanctioned Events” by the FEI.
Events
5. The UAE NF is not permitted to organize any International Events in any discipline.
6. The UAE NF is permitted to organize National events in all disciplines including, for the avoidance of doubt, Endurance. The status of National Events in the UAE is unaffected by the UAE NF’s suspension.
Officials
7. UAE NF Officials are not permitted to officiate at any International Events in any discipline.
8. FEI Officials are recommended not to officiate at any National Events in the UAE in the discipline of Endurance. If an FEI Official does officiate at a such event, that Official may only do so in a private capacity and has no authority to represent the FEI in any way.
Practical Consequences – Entries – FEI Flag
9. Emirati Athletes eligible to compete in Events (as per points 1-3 above) will compete as individual participants under the FEI flag and not as representatives of the UAE NF.
10. Emirati Athletes competing internationally will be administered by the FEI. Legal and technical responsibility for them will be placed in the hands of the FEI. The FEI will administer their entries for International Events and act as the point contact. Please note that non-UAE athletes/horses which are currently administered by the UAE NF must be administered by another NF for the duration of the UAE NF’s suspension.
11. The flag of UAE must not be displayed at any venue, nor during any opening or closing or prize giving at any Event. The FEI flag must be used instead.
12. The flag/designation of the UAE must not be visible on the uniforms of the athletes or on their horses’ tack nor on the clothing of their support personnel.
13. The national anthem of the UAE NF must not be played at Events.
14. The designation “FEI” instead of the UAE designation, must be used for results identification, in any Event programme, start lists, placards etc.
15. Accreditations must not be issued to any UAE NF official.
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