The stunning venues of the Global Champions Tour has captured the public's imagination
The decision of the Court of Appeal in Brussels regarding the FEI's "exclusivity clause" will enable the show jumping Global Champions League (GCL) to go ahead in 2016 and could have an impact for other equestrian disciplines looking to create events along a similar concept
The Court of Appeal in Brussels today upheld an earlier decision of the Belgian Competition Authority enabling riders to have the freedom to compete in the highly anticipated GCL events, where teams will go head to head for unprecedented prize money in spectacular destinations worldwide next year.
The 2016 Global Champions League, the innovative team competition that is claimed will revolutionise the sport of show jumping and developed by Jan Tops, founder of the hugely successful Global Champions Tour (GCT) individual show jumping circuit, will see Olympic and World Champions in action every Friday at 15 sensational GCT destinations around the world.
In June of this year, the GCL filed a complaint with the BCA alleging the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) had breached EU competition law by using its rules to prevent riders and horses from competing in events not approved by the FEI by imposing a so-called "exclusivity clause".
The clause prohibited riders from taking part in any non-FEI approved event for a period of six months prior to their participation in an FEI event. Given the year-round nature of world-class competitive show jumping, the exclusivity clause effectively banned riders from taking part in non-FEI events.
At the request of GCL, the BCA decided in July to suspend the "exclusivity clause", allowing GCL Team Competitions to go ahead in 2016.
The FEI challenged and requested the suspension of the interim measures. Today the Court of Appeal in Brussels rejected the request and upheld the earlier decision by the Belgium Competition Authority (BCA). As a consequence the "exclusivity clause" of the FEI continues to be suspended in respect of the GCL.
The Court of Appeal said the FEI had failed to demonstrate the injunction inflicted serious and irreparable harm on the federation. The court said the FEI had managed for more than a century without the clause and failed to show why it was indispensable.
Frank H McCourt Jr, co-owner of GCT, said: “Momentum around the Global Champions League concept has been rapidly gathering pace since it was conceived and we welcome today’s news that the last hurdle has been removed. We now look forward to focusing our energies on building a new and exciting era for show jumping.
“Global Champions League represents a transformational opportunity for the sport of show jumping. There has been great anticipation in the show jumping community for a clear path to growth, opportunity, and exposure around the world. We firmly believe that Global Champions League will deliver on all fronts as it builds a truly global fan base and creates exciting opportunities for everyone involved.”
LGCT show jumping events attracts 'celebrity' riders such as Jessica Springsteen, pictured here with Australia's Edwina Tops-Alexander, wife of GCT founder Jan Tops
