The FEI has issued a statement reagrding the relegation of teams in the Nations Cup.

Following the final leg of the competition at the Royal Dublin Horse Show on 7 August, two teams – Great Britain and Belgium – were tied for second-to-last place and consequently faced relegation from the series - as the rules dictate that the 9th and 10th placed teams are relegated. However, the interpretation of the Rules could lead to two different relegation outcomes.

The case was discussed and the Bureau unanimously felt that a decision must be taken in the best interest of the sport, and took into consideration that the governing body has a responsibility to translate its own rules in a sporting fashion.

Given the current eceonomic herdships, it was felt that failure to field a team in the Nations Cup series would put severe pressure on National Federations in seeking sponsorship. So it was unanimously agreed that, subject to seeking permission from the Show Organizers, who would obviously bear the pressure of additional horses, neither team should be relegated for next season.

The FEI Jumping Committee is also looking into the matter presented by the Italian Equestrian Federation - winners at Dublin under new Chef D' Equipe Markus Fuchs. The Italian team feel that even though they came last in the Nations Cup, they should be included in next year’s series and have appealed that if a concession is made for two teams, they should be included as a third.

Final discussions are now underway and we hope to have clarification of the situation soon.