Princess Haya Signals Intent to Stand for Re-Election as FEI President

HRH Princess Haya has confirmed she intends to stand for re-election as President of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) after an overwhelming vote in favour of amending the FEI Statues to allow Presidents to serve three consecutive terms in office.

One hundred and three National Federations voted in favour of the change at the FEI Extraordinary General Assembly (EGA) in Lausanne.

Following the news, Princess Haya said: “I always felt that when people are given a responsibility, given faith and given belief they are given an opportunity to do well in their lives and that’s what you’ve always given to me. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that, it’s a huge honour.

“I’m very honoured for the opportunity you’ve given me to be available as a future president of the FEI for a third term. I don’t want to go further than that today because I do believe there’s the possibility that there’ll be other candidates and I believe they should be given the opportunity to come forward. But at the same time you have my commitment to you.”

Princes Haya was elected in 2006 and at her first FEI Bureau meeting she proposed limiting President’s terms to two terms of four years. The new decision reverses that law, although still places a limit on the President’s time in power. Before 2006, terms were unlimited.

The FEI Presidential election will take place at the General Assembly in December. The FEI Bureau will decide on the application period for Presidential candidates during its in-person meeting on 9 and 10 June.

The Swiss National Federation has already announced its support for Swiss businessman and former President of the Geneva CHI, Pierre Genecand, although his candidacy has yet to be officially declared.

Princess Haya had stated in September last year that she would not stand for re-election, despite an earlier move by FEI Regional Group Chairpersons and the National Federations to amend the FEI Statutes at the 2013 General Assembly.

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