FEI Clean Sport for Horses - Warnings

FEI Clean Sport: Warning on the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids in FEI registered horses 

In recent times, several FEI registered horses competing in different FEI disciplines tested positive for anabolic-androgenic steroids i.e. Stanozolol (common trade names: Winstrol, Sungate, Stargate), Boldenone (common trade names: Equipoise, Ganabol, Equigan, Ultragan, Anabold) and  Nandrolone (common trade names: RWR Tissue Repair, Deca-Durabolin, Durabolin, Laurabolin, Nandrolin). The Adverse Analytical Findings resulted from the intentional administration of the Prohibited Substance(s). 

Stanozolol, Boldenone and Nandrolone are designated as Banned Substances according to the 2022 FEI List of Prohibited Substances and are prohibited at all times i.e. in and out of competition, due to their high potential of affecting sporting performance and significant risks to the health of the horse. 

There is a ‘zero tolerance’ on the use of anabolic steroids in FEI Disciplines. The Persons Responsible and the additional Persons Responsible should seek alternative FEI-compliant therapeutic interventions, if needed. 

The FEI would like to specifically emphasise that, although some products containing anabolic steroids might be approved for veterinary use in certain countries for specific veterinary conditions, their use is strictly prohibited under the FEI Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Rules (the “EADCMRs). Approval of a product containing a Prohibited Substance by a national veterinary authority shall in no way form a defence in any potential Rule Violation of the EADCMRs.

Under the EADCMRs the presence of a Banned Substance in the Horse’s sample, the use, the administration, the trafficking as well as the mere possession of a Banned Substance are Anti-Doping Rule Violations. The period of ineligibility imposed on the (additional) Person Responsible for an Anti-Doping Rule Violation is two years, alongside with a two month provisional suspension of the Horse, a fine up to 15’000 CHF and legal costs in accordance with Art. 10.2.1 of the Equine Anti-Doping Rules.