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ARTICLE · 06 DECEMBER 2018

Belgian Competition Authority Rejects Request To Suspend Participation Rules For Horse-Jumping Events

Van Bael & Bellis
Van Bael & Bellis
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The decision by the BCA is the latest development in a legal saga surrounding the Belgian equestrian sector.

BelgiumAntitrust/Competition Law
Martin Favart
Martin Favart
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On 5 October 2018, the Competition College (Mededingingscollege/Collège de la concurrence) of the Belgian Competition Authority ("BCA") rejected a request to suspend the participation rules for horse-jumping events organised by Global Champions Tour ("GCT"). 

Background

The decision by the BCA is the latest development in a legal saga surrounding the Belgian equestrian sector. 

Following a complaint by Global Champions League ("GCL") to the BCA, alleging that the exclusivity clause included in the General Regulations of the Fédération Equestre Internationale ("FEI"), the governing body for horse-jumping, was anticompetitive, the BCA imposed interim measures temporarily suspending the exclusivity clause on 27 July 2015 (See this Newsletter, Volume 2015, No. 7 available at www.vbb.com). This decision was upheld by the Brussels Court of Appeal on 28 April 2016 (See this Newsletter, Volume 2016, No. 5 available at www.vbb.com). 

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