Longines Global Champions Tour Cancels Doha Season Opener

The GCT team put out a statement on March 2 announcing the cancellation, "due to the current situation in the region."  

"This decision has been made following careful assessment of airspace restrictions, participation travel timelines and overall operational limitations," reads the statement. "The Longines Global Champions Tour and the Doha Equestrian Tour remain fully committed to their long-term partnership at Al Shaqab. The safety and well-being of horses, athletes, teams, partners, staff, and spectators remain our absolute priority. Both organisations are working in close coordination, and we confirm that all horses and personnel currently on site are safe and well."

The Doha Equestrian Tour is currently scheduled to resume from March 11, though these shows also hang very much in the balance.

At this stage, the Doha Equestrian Tour programme is scheduled to resume from 11 March. Further updates regarding the remaining events will be communicated in the coming days. The CSI2* show in Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates, scheduled for March 4–8, has also been cancelled, though no further shows have yet been pulled from the calendar.

The FEI has also issued a statement urging members in the region to liaise with their respective national federations. 

"Officials, Athletes and/or their entourage currently in the region who are affected by travel or airspace restrictions are strongly encouraged to remain in close contact with their National Federation, as well as with their respective embassy or consulate, which are best placed to provide direct guidance and assistance.

"The FEI remains available and should also be kept informed of any developments. It will continue to monitor these situations closely and provide support within the scope of its role.

"Participants should be assured that any decision taken on an individual basis to not travel or to withdraw from participation for security reasons, in line with governmental advice, will not result in any consequences from the FEI."

All participants, it urges, are advised to follow guidance issued by their own government and national authorities, "including any travel advisories, security recommendations or restrictions."