FEI climbs down on Bute issue
Tuesday, 08 December 2009 19:51
The FEI has had to climb-down over the controversial relaxation of its policy on certain anti-inflammatories. Member federations have been asked whether they would agree to delay implementation until “at least” the next general assembly in November next year, following an earlier announcement it would be suspended until April.
Princess Haya, president of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), has done about turn by asking national federations to agree to "time out" on the issue. She wants the issue of allowing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in horse sport to be debated at the 2010 General Assembly.
In a letter sent out to national federations on Friday evening, Princess Haya acknowledged both those for and against the use of bute and other NSAIDs in competition have strong opinions.
"Unfortunately, the division of opinion is so deep and so passionate, that it threatens to divide our federation," she said. "This is not an outcome we can accept."
Princess Haya has suggested to the federations that all other rules in the FEI's clean sport programme are implemented on 1 January, 2010, but over the next year more research and consultation is carried out on the issue of NSAIDs in horse sport.
"I give you my word that this issue will be table in the form of a policy choice for the general assembly in 2010," she said.
On 19 November, the FEI general assembly narrowly voted in Copenhagen to allow bute and other NSAIDs to be used in competition.
Last Tuesday, the FEI suggested delaying the introduction of the new rules until April.
The decision at last month’s assembly was damned by leading equestrian nations, the FEI’s own officiating vets and major shows such as Aachen, which urged a boycott of the 2010 World Equestrian Games. The racing industry, which rarely involves itself in equestrian matters, also weighed in. The European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders' Associations specially reconvened its autumn meeting and described the FEI decision as potentially “a disastrously retrograde step”.
Related Links:
The Telegraph: FEI in further climbdown in relaxation of policy on certain anti-inflammatories
Horse & Hound: FEI gives in to pressure on bute issue and suggests further delay
David Holmes out as heads roll at FEI
FEI delays implementation of new prohibited substances list
Open Letter from Hugh Thomas to the President of FEI
Vets demand FEI reopens 'bute debate'
