Sport nationality rules and changes applications

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR THE OLYMPIC / PARALYMPIC GAMES

· Waiting period:
Participation in the Olympic and Paralympic Games is also subject to Olympic and Paralympic Regulations (Bye-law to Rule 42, Olympic Charter) and in particular to any waiting period imposed by these regulations. Specifically, an athlete who has represented one country in the Olympic Games, in continental or regional games or in world or regional championships recognized by the relevant IF, and who has changed his nationality or acquired a new nationality, may participate in the Olympic Games to represent his new country provided that at least three years have passed since the competitor last represented his former country).
(Similarly, participation in Regional and Continental Games is also subject to the regulations of the relevant governing body).
 ·Additional eligibility requirements may be imposed by the applicable FEI Regulations for the Olympic Games. Please check this page for updates. 

SPORT NATIONALITY CHANGES 

Who applies?
The NF of the desired new sport nationality must send an application letter to the FEI Secretary General.  Please send to: Catherine Bollon at the Legal Department.

How to apply?
The letter must:
- be signed by the prospective NF's Secretary General or President;
- indicate the reasons for the desired change;
- confirm the prospective NF’s support;
- be accompanied by a certified copy of the athlete’s valid passport (or equivalent document proving citizenship) + competition record for the last 2 years  

When?
At least 30 days prior to the first Event the Athlete wishes to compete for the new country if the change is approved.  

How it works
Upon receipt of the prospective NF’s application for a sport nationality change, the FEI will send an acknowledgement of receipt  listing, where applicable, any further documentation to be provided and informing the Athlete’s current NF of the process initiated.  Once the relevant documents are submitted, the file is reviewed by the FEI Legal Department. If all applicable requirements are met (see below), the FEI will issue its approval. A change of sport nationality is complete and effective only if the FEI has issued its approval.

Please click HERE to read more about this procedure and the applicable requirements (updated 29 January 2013).

For any further information on sport nationality, please contact Catherine Bollon at the Legal Department.