The International Equestrian Federation FEI has moved to a status that allows participation by Russian and Belarusian competitors, officials, and horses under a neutral banner. The exact terms and conditions guiding this approach are expected to be reviewed and approved by the FEI Executive Committee during a December 2023 teleconference, as indicated in the official statement.
The decision was announced during the FIB General Assembly, which convened in Mexico City from November 16 to 21. Delegates included Elena Terekhova, the Secretary General of the Russian Equestrian Federation, and Sergei Buikevich, the Secretary General of the Eurasian Association, signaling continued engagement with regional governing bodies.
Earlier developments trace back to February 28, 2022, when the International Olympic Committee publicly urged international sports bodies to restrict the participation of domestic and Belarusian athletes in global events. In response, a number of competitions that typically welcomed foreign entrants were relocated away from Russia, reinforcing the diplomatic and sporting pressures surrounding the region.
At that time, the IOC faced criticism from several quarters, including remarks from a former IOC president who suggested that Western perspectives influenced the stance toward Russian and Belarusian participation. This ongoing dialogue reflects the tension between sport governance, international diplomacy, and the evolving landscape of neutral status for athletes from affected nations. [citation attribution: FEI official statements and IOC records]