The Equestrian Federation of India has been suspended by the international body due to the governance crisis

The Equestrian Federation International (FEI) has decided to suspend the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) from December 1 due to the long-running governance crisis, a move that prevents Indian riders, officials, trainers and horses from participating in international competitions for the duration of the suspension.

In a letter dated October 15 to EFI ad hoc committee members Lt Col (retd) Sandeep Dewan and advocate Vidushpat Singhania, the FEI said its board had taken the decision in an online meeting on October 13.

“Following the online meeting of the FEI Council on October 13, 2026, please note that the FEI Council has decided to suspend the Equestrian Federation of India with effect from December 1, 2026,” said the letter, a copy of which is in PTI’s possession.

Explaining the reasons behind the decision, the FEI said the dissolution of the EFI Executive Committee by the Delhi High Court in February, coupled with the absence of fresh elections, had resulted in a prolonged governance crisis.

“However, the dissolution of the Equestrian Federation of India Executive Committee in February 2026 by the Delhi High Court, whose elected term expired in September 2023, coupled with the absence of elections to date to elect a new Executive Committee, has resulted in prolonged proceedings and leadership irregularities that are no longer sustainable,” the letter said.

The FEI took note of the clarification submitted by the ad hoc panel on 27 September and said it appreciated the work done by the panel since its establishment by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on 27 March.

The international governing body noted that elections to the EFI Executive Committee are expected to take place by January 31, 2027, but clarified that the suspension will only be reviewed after the elections are held and evaluated.

“The suspension will be reviewed once the executive committee elections have taken place and the FEI has been evaluated,” the letter said.

The restrictions during the suspension are comprehensive and extend beyond the national federation itself.

“In accordance with Article 8.4 of the FEI Constitution, the Equestrian Federation of India shall not attend or be represented at any meeting or meeting of any FEI body or organize international events during the period of suspension,” the letter said.

In addition, its members (including athletes, officials and trainers) and horses may not participate in international events organized by the FEI or any other national federation, whether under the Indian flag or the FEI flag.’

The decision will disrupt India’s international equestrian participation until the governance issue is resolved and the FEI completes its evaluation of the selection process.

The FEI also highlighted the implications for Indian endurance trainers whose horses are registered with other national federations.

According to the letter, Indian endurance coach Hari Singh Aam is registered with the EFI. Horses in training but registered with other national federations will require a change of trainer to remain eligible to compete from 1 December.

Citing Article 828.3 of the FEI Endurance Rules, the FEI stated that a horse whose registered trainer changes cannot compete for 14 days from the date of notification of the change.

Any such change must therefore be notified by 17 November in order for horses to remain eligible from 1 December.

DISPUTE

The governance dispute has its roots in the continuation of the EFI Executive Committee beyond its elected term in September 2023 and the subsequent litigation over the governance of the federation and the electoral process.

The Delhi High Court dissolved the executive committee in February 2026 and directed the IOA to form an ad hoc committee to administer the federation and facilitate the process of holding fresh elections.

The IOA formed an ad hoc committee on March 27. But the election process remained incomplete, prompting the FEI to ask for an explanation in September before considering a suspension.

In its latest communication, the FEI said it had carefully considered the committee’s written submission but concluded that the absence of an elected executive committee could not continue indefinitely.

The suspension will come into effect before the election date to be announced by the FEI, so India’s return to international competition will depend on the completion of the election and subsequent assessment by the international body.

– The end