Jumper Eduardo Álvarez Aznar has announced that for the time being he will no longer be part of Spain's national team for the upcoming Barcelona CSIO, as well as to other possible events. The decision was made due to ongoing disagreements within the Real Federación Hípica Española (RFHE).
Álvarez Aznar announced that he is retiring until the conflicts within the federation, including conflicts of interest and clientelism surrounding the elections for the presidency, are resolved. He stressed that he will not return until there is a new technical staff and selection criteria based solely on sporting performance.
"I have taken the decision not to be part of the Spanish team at the CSIO in Barcelona and other possible appointments with the national team until all the conflicts of the RFHE, its conflicts of interest and clientelism for the elections to the Presidency are resolved. I will be available again as always in my career when there is another coaching staff and there is a form of selection based exclusively on sporting criteria."
Álvarez Aznar's decision will undoubtedly have a major impact, as he has been a major player in Spanish equestrian sports for many years.