Andy Griffiths speaks out over FEI disciplinary tribunals

An official at a Portuguese CIC*** event says the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) needs to change the way it carries out disciplinary tribunals.

Andy Griffiths, technical delegate at Barroca, has told H&H that he was unhappy with the process involved in the case of Madeleine Brugman and Andrew Hoy. Both riders were exonerated by the FEI on Thursday 24 July after the disciplinary panel ruled the FEI had not provided sufficient evidence.

“I think a number of the Barroca officials who gave evidence to the tribunal were unfairly treated,” he said. “These are unpaid volunteers not lawyers and to be cross-examined by top lawyers is very upsetting.”

Mr Griffiths also criticised the time it took the tribunal to come to a conclusion after the hearing on 22 May.

FEI secretary general Alex McLin said: “The tribunal’s decision reflects the independence of the FEI’s judicial branch. We will pay close attention to what it means for our enforcement systems and make any necessary adjustments.”

Read this story in full in the current issue of Horse & Hound (31 July, ’08)

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