The case involves a prolonged legal dispute between the Indonesian Sporthorse Society (PORDASI) and the Olympic Committee of Indonesia (KOI) over the recognition of the legitimate national federation governing equestrian sports in Indonesia. The conflict arose when KOI recognized the Equestrian Federation of Indonesia (EFI) in 2010, despite PORDASI's longstanding affiliation with the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) since 1975. PORDASI contested this recognition, arguing it violated KOI's Bye-Laws and the Olympic Charter, which mandate that only one national federation per sport can be recognized if it is affiliated with the relevant International Federation. The dispute escalated when KOI sent a misleading letter to FEI in March 2010, falsely claiming EFI was the official equestrian federation and implying PORDASI only coordinated horse racing. PORDASI sought resolution through the Indonesian Sport Arbitration Board (BAKI), which initially dismissed the case, prompting PORDASI to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The CAS panel examined the jurisdictional and substantive issues, confirming its authority to hear the appeal under KOI's Bye-Laws and the Olympic Charter. The panel found KOI's 2010 letter contained false statements, as EFI had not undergone proper procedures to replace PORDASI-ECI (PORDASI's equestrian commission) and was not formally a member of KOI. The CAS ruled that KOI's actions breached its obligations under the Olympic Charter, which requires exclusive recognition of a single national federation per sport. The panel upheld PORDASI's appeal, set aside the BAKI decision, and declared KOI's 2010 letter null and void. The ruling affirmed PORDASI as the sole legitimate national equestrian federation in Indonesia, reinforcing the principle of a monopolistic structure for national federations under international sports governance.
The case highlights the complexities of sports governance, jurisdictional conflicts, and the importance of adhering to procedural and regulatory standards. It underscores the need for clarity in recognizing national federations to avoid disputes and maintain the integrity of international sports federations. The CAS decision resolved the conflict by upholding PORDASI's legitimacy and KOI's obligations under the Olympic Charter, bringing closure to a dispute that had persisted for nearly five years. The ruling serves as a precedent for similar cases involving the recognition of national sports federations and compliance with international sports regulations.