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Further Information Regarding the UAE NF Suspension

by Edited Letter from Sabrina Zeender - FEI Secretary General | Mar 18, 2015, 3:06 PM

Since issuing notice that FEI Bureau had suspended the Emirates Equestrian Federation (UAE NF) because of major horse welfare issues and non-compliance with FEI Rules and Regulations in Endurance, the FEI received many queries regarding the practical implications of the UAE NF's suspension.The points below should povide clarity.

For the duration of the UAE NF's suspension:

Athletes' Participation

1. Athletes (human and equine) from the UAE NF (Emirati Athletes) are not permitted to participate in any International Events in the discipline of Endurance.

2. Non-Endurance Emirati Athletes are permitted to participate inInternational Events organised by other NFs.

3. Emirati Athletes are permitted to participate in National Events organised by other NFs 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 your NF's responsibility. For the avoidance of doubt, as the UAE NF is still entitled to organise 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 organise any International Events in any discipline.

6. The UAE NF is permitted to organise 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 an 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 forInternational Events and act as the point of contact. Please note that non-UAE athletes/horses can no longer be administered by the UAE NF. 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.