PRESS RELEASE

EQUESTRIAN SPORTS: ANTITRUST AUTHORITY PUTS A STOP TO FISE’S EXCLUSIVE OVER RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES. MEMBERS MAY PARTICIPATE IN COMPETITIONS ARRANGED BY OTHER ENTITIES

The Authority accepts and renders binding the commitments proposed by the Federazione Italiana Sport Equestri

The Italian Competition Authority, at its meeting on 15 May, decided to accept and render binding the commitments proposed by FISE (Federazione Italiana Sport Equestri), the Italian Equestrian Sports Federation, in the context of the investigation begun on 19 July 2007 into possible violations of competition law.

FISE undertook to modify its Federal Statute, eliminating the reference to its exclusive jurisdiction over sporting and/or recreational activities. Furthermore, FISE members (riders, technicians, trainers, etc.) will be able to take part in events, even competitive ones, organized by other competing entities and/or associations, where prizes and/or trophies of a symbolic nature may be won, so long as no classification is required nor titles awarded.

In any case, organizations other than FISA are always free to arrange any competitive event involving the awarding of titles or classifications so long as such activities are organized independently and amongst their own members.

Finally, FISE undertook to allow the use of its affiliated clubs’ facilities by other entities or associations.

The investigation was begun following a number of complaints pointing out that it was impossible for other organizations to arrange promotional events at an amateur level and without Olympic ambitions at reasonable cost.

Rome, 4 June 2008