On 8 October 2019, the Italian Antitrust Authority closed the proceedings against the Italian Federation of Equestrian Sports (FISE), ascertaining that it failed to comply with its commitments, which had been made mandatory by a decision issued in June 2011, and that it abused its dominant position vis-à-vis competitor sporting organisations, in violation of Art. 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

In particular, FISE implemented an abusive strategy aimed at limiting the scope of organisation of amateur equestrian competitions, with particular reference to the specialities of Driving and Show Jumping.

More specifically, the Authority ascertained that this anti-competitive strategy was implemented by adopting new and more restrictive regulations, by sending warning letters - to clubs, sports promotion bodies, associations and, in general, sector operators - aimed at preventing amateur events from being held, which the Federation claimed to be of a competitive nature - and by failing to enter into agreements with sports promotion bodies and other sporting companies and associations to govern how to carry out amateur and/or competitive activities. In this way, FISE substantially restricted the possibility of carrying out amateur activities, severely limiting the scope of operations of other competitors and expanding its own sphere of activity.

Failure to comply with its commitments, which were aimed at ensuring that equestrian amateur activities could be carried out, and FISE's ascertained abuse vis-à-vis its competitor organisations, are considered to be serious violations of competition rules; the Authority has therefore fined the Federation approximately Euro 450,000.

During the proceedings, the Authority was supported by the Special Antitrust Unit of the Italian Finance Police.

Rome, 16 October 2019