To make a modernization of the FEI, the international equestrian Federation, is not an easy task. It is a difficult issue to solve and it has failed twice before. First time it failed was in Copenhagen in 2009, and again this year the issue has been taken off the table.
The purpose was to reduce the bureau/board to a functioning modern board of 7-9 persons but it has failed so far. Most people agree that it would be of benefit with a reduced board and maybe even without an executive board. The problem is that everybody still wants to be represented in the new board.
Ulf Helgstrand says: “I believe that the time has come to the benefit of a new structure and the discussions are boring to a lot of members so let us try to solve it in time while the National Federations still are motivated. It has often been mentioned that Europe is almost 80% of the global sport and contributes financially with about the same. In one way or another we must find a solution that is acceptable for all National Federations globally. At the same time we must accept the one nation one vote principle when voting at the GA.
I will argue for a continental representation (1 president, 1-2 vice-presidents and 1 person from each of the 5 continents). This is nothing new, but at the same time I would support the idea of letting each continent govern their own sport. It does not make sense that the rest of the world is taken decisions for example upon who is going to host the next European Championship, and this is off course vice versa concerning another continent. In some parts of the world they would be able to solve the problem themselves independently of the FEI, while other parts in the world would not be able to. The FEI could leave it to the continents whether they want to organize themselves independently or if they want to have a "satellite FEI office" in their region to support them. Even the "independent office" should off course be in close contact to the FEI and get support from the headquarters and keep close relations.
The FEI should still be the one and only organization for global and intercontinental events like World Cup, WEG and Olympic Games. This I believe will give the continents freedom to choose, and at the same time have even more positivity and respect for the FEI as the global organization of our sport.
As mentioned it is not an easy issue, but for sure an issue with a lot of opinions and the last word has not been said. But it is worth trying again, since I believe time is working for us, and because our sport deserves it.”
The Task Force will invite to dialogue with all the National Federations and hopefully present a result before the GA in Rio.
by Ulf Helgstrand
Photo © Ridehesten.com
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