Equestrian federation lifts ban on Russian and Belarusian competitors
The FEI has ended its four-and-a-half-year ban on Russian and Belarusian riders, horses and officials at its events, effective 5 October.
The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has announced that its ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials is being lifted after more than four years. The governing body first imposed the prohibition in March 2022 in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Since then, riders, horses and officials from Russia and Belarus have not been able to represent their countries at FEI events under their national flags.
The upcoming changes, which come into force on 5 October, will allow participants from these countries to compete without having to use the label of Neutral Individual Athletes. In addition, the FEI's updated rules will permit international competitions to be held on Russian soil. This marks a significant shift from the restrictions that had been in force since shortly after the start of the war.
The FEI's decision follows the International Olympic Committee's announcement in June that it would provisionally lift the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee. As a result, Russian athletes could potentially be cleared to participate under their national flag at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The federation also said it wants to reiterate its support for the people of Ukraine, while confirming the changes to its rules.
