Princess Haya has been re-elected as president of the FEI.
The Princess received overwhelming support in a vote by the FEI general assembly today (Friday, 5 November) in Taipei, and was given a standing ovation as she accepted the role for another four years.
From 124 possible votes, 90 national federations backed Princess Haya for president, 23 voted for Sven Holmberg and 11 voted for Henk Rottinghuis. One federation abstained.
“Thank you all for your confidence and trust, I promise I won’t let you down,” she said.
“I promise to unify this federation, work for the national federations and to constantly appreciate your needs, and do all that I can do service this board.”
Tearfully, Princess Haya added: “I never realised how many supporters I had and am truly humbled by all that you’ve done for me.”
Last night, outgoing first vice president Sven Holmberg told H&H he would resign entirely from the FEI if his challenge for the leadership was unsuccessful.
Second vice president for the past four years, Chris Hodson, also said he would not put himself forward for re-election should Princess Haya be successful in her bid to lead the federation.
