Rodrigo Pessoa has announced that he will not compete at the Global Champions Tour Final to be held in Sao Paolo, Brazil October 15 to 19.
“Considering all the circumstances I decided not to make use of the right to compete at the CSI ***** Global Champions Tour in Sao Paulo. Even though the national civil court has ruled in my favor,” said Pessoa. “I believe that this decision is taken in favor of the equestrian sport.”
Pessoa was suspended for 135 days after his Olympic mount Rugus tested positive for nonivamide. In order for the suspencion to be lifted, Pessoa would have to have obtain a decision from the the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which he did not. Instead, he recieved an injunction from a national court compelling the Brazilian National Federation to enter him in the event.
The FEI issued a statement on October 15th denouncing Pessoa’s decision. “That he should take such action is highly disappointing and inappropriate for a sportsman in his position,” said Alexander McLin, FEI Secretary General. “We will take all necessary further disciplinary action should local court orders or circumstances allow him to take part in the competition. Any result obtained by him in an international competition while under suspension would be void.â€
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