French Grand Prix rider Corentin Pottier has twice lost an appeal over the French team selection for the 2023 European Dressage Championships in Riesenbeck from 4 - 10 September 2023.
Team selector Jean Morel picked Alexandre Ayache, Morgan Barbancon, Pauline Basquin, and Arnaud Serre for the team in Riesenbeck and left out Pottier, who had successfully represented France at the FEI Nations' Cup competitions in Compiegne, Rotterdam, and Aachen.
Two Appeals Rejected
Pottier went to the CNOSF (French Olympic Committee) to contest his non-selection and started an appeal procedure on 17 August 2023. On 24 August 2023, the CNOSF rejected Pottier's request and indicated that the FFE had not committed any error of rules, nor any manifest error of assessment, nor misuse of power.
Pottier then filed an injunction with the French Civil Administrative Court for an accelerated procedure for a quick decision. The hearing was held on 31 August and the verdict cast on 1 September. The Administrative Court of Orléans rejected Pottier's request, considering that the required condition of urgency was not met.
Therefore, the FFE French team selection of August 16, is maintained.
Statement Pottier
Pottier took to Facebook today with a very lengthy public statement.
"Although the hearing did indeed end in a rejection in administrative court, it was the form, not the substance, that was judged this Thursday, August 31, in Orléans," Pottier argued. "I can already imagine some comments saying, "this decision does not question a potential Olympic selection," but I object : the 2023 European Championships are indeed a standalone goal, the major sporting aim this year for Gotilas who is currently ranked 31st in the FEI world rankings. A goal that has justified tens of thousands of euros of investment in the past year : training, competitions, care... Fortunately, an athlete's career is not summarized by one single event occurring every four years. To each day its own sorrow."
Corentin further said, "I have faith in my federation, which despite this unfortunate disagreement, will not fail to honor its mission of supporting high-level athletes and selecting the most performing athletes throughout the season and also for the 2024 Paris Olympics. I can't imagine for a second being deprived of a selection or receiving unfavorable treatment for questioning the merits of a decision, especially through a perfectly legal and transparent procedure. I keep in mind, like all of you, the national selector's solemn commitment to select based on sports and results."
After more explanations from his part, he concluded his message with "my motivation is in no way tarnished by this ordeal, which has only made me more clear-sighted about the reality of high-level sport. My passion for horses, dressage, and competition remains intact."
Photo © Astrid Appels
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