Following the four positive medication control test results from high-profile horses at the Athens Olympics Games, the FEI expressed dismay. At their recent meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina, they took action.
The FEI Bureau appointed a task force to examine and discuss the policies necessary for the elimination of abusive and illegal performance-enhancing drugs, and to review the medication control policies for horses.
The Task Force includes: Chairman Sven Holmberg (Sweden),Philip Billington (Great Britain), Breido Zu Rantzau (Germany), David Distler (USA), Peter Wylde (USA), Marco Danese (Italy).
The preliminary mission of the Task Force is to determine the following:
o Difference between medication and doping (horse welfare vs. performance enhancing)
o Definition of illegal substances to be considered, policy and tolerance (unacceptable levels)
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o Knowledge of pharmacokinetics and screening methods
o Lab analysis and legal procedures (steps and length of)
o Sanctions (length of suspension, money amounts, and suspension in case of suspicion)
o Communication policy (as quick and transparent as possible)
o Role of the FEI legal department, judiciary committee, outside legal counseling, Court for Arbitration of Sport o Crisis management, handling of high-profile cases
The Task Force will have no role in the current pending medication control cases, including the Olympic cases. The members of the Task Force should analyze the above points, including consulting with experts, and formulate proposals to form new FEI policy on all of the points. The policy recommendations are due to be brought before the Bureau and General Assembly in April 2005, with progress reports being filed in January and March 2005. After the policy recommendations are approved by the FEI, the Task Force will propose implementation measures for the new policies.
