The Global Champions League confirmed July 29 that they’ll launch a new show jumping league and team competition next year since the Belgian Competition Authority has suspended an exclusivity clause outlined by the Fédération Equestre Internationale.

The GCL filed the complaint with the BCA this June, alleging that the FEI was breaching the European Union’s competition laws. 

The FEI rule in question, GR113, states that riders, horses and show officials may not participate in non-FEI events six months prior to participating in an FEI event. The GCL had been seeking approval from FEI to start a new team event at existing Longines Global Champions Tour competitions. 

“In 2016, the new Global Champions League will see team owners recruit star riders, selecting two riders from a squad of four to compete in each event, creating an exciting new competition alongside the already hugely successful Global Champions Tour for individual riders,” stated a release from the GCL. 

The interim ruling by the BCA suspends the FEI’s exclusivity clause until it can be examined in more detail by the BCA. While the claim is investigated, the FEI cannot take sanctions against riders for competing in the GCL events. 

“This decision by the BCA represents an historic and transformative moment in the sport of show jumping,” said Frank H. McCourt, Jr., co-owner of GCT. “It sends a strong and decisive message that fair play and open competition matter as much in show jumping as they do in football, cricket, basketball, and every other global sport.

“Until now, the FEI’s exclusivity clause had put a strangle hold on the global development and growth of show jumping,” he continued. “This decision opens the door to innovation in the sport and will ultimately benefit the entire show jumping community, from the riders, fans, and horse owners, to the support teams, the media and sponsors. In the years to come, there will be whole new audiences for the sport around the world, and we are pleased that we can now get this incredibly exciting process underway.”

The FEI has also released a statement regarding the decision: “The FEI has taken note of the decision taken by the Belgian competition authority. We disagree with this decision. The FEI is now reviewing the decision and will oppose it by all legal means.”