The FEI lifts its restrictions on Russia
After more than four years of exclusion, Russian and Belarusian dressage are set to return to the international stage. The International Equestrian Federation has officially decided to lift the measures implemented in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine, measures that had been in effect since March 6, 2022. Starting October 5, Russian and Belarusian riders, horses, and officials will once again be able to compete under their national colors, no longer required to adopt the "Individual Neutral Athlete" status that had applied to the few competitors permitted to participate since late 2023.
The Russian Equestrian Federation itself announced the news on Wednesday, citing lengthy negotiations with international bodies before securing the green light from the FEI Council. When contacted by Reuters, the FEI had not yet issued an official response at the time of publication.
This reversal is not an isolated incident; it follows the decision made in July by the International Olympic Committee to provisionally lift the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee. This move could eventually pave the way for Russian athletes to once again represent their country at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Dressage is not the only discipline affected by this broader trend: on Tuesday, the International Basketball Federation lifted restrictions on individual Russian and Belarusian players and officials, while the International Ski Federation announced on Wednesday that Russian and Belarusian athletes could compete starting in the 2026–2027 season—provided they sign a declaration of neutrality and comply with anti-doping requirements, without the use of their flag or national anthem.
In its statement, the FEI emphasized that it "wishes to take this opportunity to reaffirm its support for the Ukrainian people"—a clarification that has consistently accompanied such announcements since the start of the conflict. It remains to be seen how Russian riders and horses, largely cut off from the international circuit since 2022, will regain their place on the podiums of major global events.
source : Reuters
