GB opposes Nations Cup relegation

British show jumping officials plan to appeal against a decision to relegate Great Britain from the Nations Cup.

In an unexpected U-turn, the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) demoted Britain and Belgium into the second-tier promotional league.

GB finished eighth in the competition this year and the top flight will be reduced to eight countries by 2011.

"The British Equestrian Federation does not accept that decision," said the BEF in a statement.

"The Federation, in conjunction with the British Show Jumping Association, will be appealing against the decision."

In 2009, the Nations Cup comprised eight events from May to August, including a leg at Hickstead in July.

This decision was taken in the best interest of the sport HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein FEI president

The FEI's original stance barely a month ago had been to relegate only Italy.

This followed confusion over exact criteria needed to separate teams tied on points - as was the case with Britain and Belgium - who finished joint-eighth.

The whole issue could now find itself heading to the Court of Arbitration in Sport, threatening a drawn-out legal wrangle.

The FEI said it had consulted with national federations, riders and event organisers before deciding that Britain and Belgium would be relegated.

Two teams from the promotional league after this weekend's final in Barcelona will be promoted, giving a nine-strong Nations Cup field next year, dropping to eight for 2011.

"This decision was taken in the best interest of the sport," said FEI president HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein.

The decision continues a difficult year for elite British show jumping, after the team finished outside the medals at last month's European Championships in Windsor.