25 September 2020
Following news that the FEI has suspended the National Federation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following a detailed investigation into the circumstances around two National Endurance Events (CEN) in January and February 2020 - the Sheikh Mohammed Cup and The President's Cup – that should have been held as International Endurance Events (CEIs) as the number of foreign athletes far exceeded the quota permitted for National Events, Endurance GB has issued the following statement from Director of Welfare, Antonia Milner-Matthews, a veterinary surgeon who also competes at International FEI level endurance.
Antonia Milner-Matthews said: “Following these rides back in January, we made clear our concerns that running these events with a very international flavour as CENs was not within the spirit of Article 101 of the FEI’s General Regulations. Endurance GB also expressed grave concerns via the BEF that such rides do not carry the level of scrutiny, welfare safeguards or sanctions that are in place at FEI CEI International level competition.
“Of course it is a shame that such sanctions are required but we welcome such a step from the FEI emphasising that the situation is being taken seriously. Going forward our advice is that all riders need to ensure they are very aware of the potential consequences of riding in unsanctioned events abroad.”
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