FEI Board makes key Championship decisions for 2021 and 2022

The FEI Board took a series of key decisions on allocation, cancellation, and reopening of bids for FEI Championships at its videoconference meeting this week.

The Board agreed to allocate the FEI Endurance World Championship 2022 to Isola della Scala in Verona (ITA). 

“We are pleased to have the experience and passion of the Verona Organising Committee for the FEI Endurance World Championship in 2022,” FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said. “We will be working closely with the Organisers and the Italian Equestrian Federation to ensure that this is a top-notch sporting event that challenges the strategic skills of our athletes and brings the sport back to its original roots of Endurance riding rather than Endurance racing.”    

Separately, the Board agreed to reopen the bid process for the FEI Eventing European Championship 2021, following numerous requests from a number of European Eventing stakeholders, including National Federations and Athletes, and with the full support of the European Equestrian Federation and the FEI Eventing Committee. The bid process will open on 18 December 2020 and National Federations and Organisers have until 15 January 2021 to apply to the FEI. The FEI Board will take a decision on the allocation of this Championship at its March 2021 teleconference.

Following the cancellation by the Organiser of the FEI Dressage European Championship U25 2021 in Donaueschingen (GER), the Board agreed to reopen the bidding process for the Championship. The deadline for expressions of interest to be submitted to the FEI (bidding@fei.org) is 15 January 2021 and the FEI Board will take a decision on the allocation of this Championship at its February 2021 teleconference.

Due to the Covid-19 related cancellation of the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championship for Young Horses 2020 in Verden (GER), and following consultation with all parties involved, the Board agreed to reallocate the 2021 Championship to Verden. The 2021 Championship had originally been allocated to Ermelo (NED) for the three-year cycle, 2021-2023. The Board has now agreed to allocate the 2024 Championship to Ermelo, meaning that the Dutch venue will host the Championships in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Based on the recommendation of the FEI Endurance Committee, and in consultation and with the support of the Netherlands National Federation, the Board agreed to terminate the Host Agreement with the Organiser of the FEI Endurance European Championship 2021 and FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders & Juniors 2021.

Both these Endurance Championships were scheduled to be held at the Netherlands National Federation-owned venue at Ermelo (NED), and the FEI will now consult with the National Federation about a potential alternative Organiser to host the Championships at the Ermelo venue on the original dates (6-11 September 2021).