Sports
Charlotte Dujardin Provisional Suspension: Britain’s Olympian Withdraws from Competitions
Charlotte Dujardin, one of Britain’s most decorated female Olympians, has been provisionally suspended by the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI), the international governing body for equestrian sports. The suspension comes in the wake of a video that has raised concerns about horse welfare practices, prompting Dujardin to withdraw from all competitions, including Paris 2024.
The FEI received footage showing the three-time Olympic gold medalist “engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare during a training session at Ms. Dujardin’s private stable.” A legal representative for the claimant who filed the complaint to the FEI stated that the video depicts Dujardin “beating a horse excessively with a whip.” This incident reportedly occurred several years ago.
In a letter accompanying the complaint, the claimant’s lawyer acknowledged the potential consequences of the complaint for Dujardin, including disciplinary action. “My client had to think long and hard about whether to bring this to your attention this way,” the lawyer wrote.
Dujardin, who confirmed she is the individual in the video, has expressed deep regret over her actions. “What happened was completely out of character and does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my pupils,” she stated. “However, there is no excuse. I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment.”
The FEI initially announced a six-month suspension, but it later clarified that the ban would remain in place pending the outcome of the investigation and any subsequent disciplinary proceedings. Dujardin has decided to “withdraw from all competition while this process takes place.”
Both British Equestrian (BEF) and British Dressage (BD) have also imposed provisional suspensions on Dujardin while the FEI investigation is ongoing. FEI President Ingmar De Vos emphasized the importance of addressing any instances of abuse, stating, “It is our responsibility and crucial that we address any instances of abuse, as equine welfare cannot be compromised.”
Roly Owers, chief executive of World Horse Welfare, stressed the significance of maintaining public trust in equestrian sports. “We know that a successful future for horse sport has public trust at the centre of it,” Owers said. “If that trust is damaged, it will damage the sport. This is another massive wake-up call for anyone who thinks this is not important, because it most certainly is.”
The FEI has stated that it intends to proceed with its investigation as swiftly as possible. As the situation unfolds, Dujardin’s career, marked by six Olympic medals, remains in a state of uncertainty as she awaits the investigation’s outcome
Warren Gatland is set to leave his role as Wales head coach after a record-breaking 14 consecutive Test match defeats, bringing an early end to his second tenure in charge.
Although the 61-year-old was contracted until the 2027 Rugby World Cup, he was already expected to step down after the Six Nations. Now, his departure will come midway through the tournament, with Wales still set to face Ireland on 22 February in Cardiff, Scotland on 8 March, and England on 15 March.
Possible successors include former Australia coach Michael Cheika, Glasgow’s Franco Smith, and Ireland interim boss Simon Easterby.
Gatland, who enjoyed a highly successful 12-year first stint with Wales—winning three Grand Slams and leading the team to two World Cup semi-finals—returned in December 2022 to replace Wayne Pivac. However, his second tenure has been marred by poor performances, with Wales suffering their worst losing streak in 144 years of international rugby. The 22-15 loss to Italy last weekend cemented their decline, dropping them to 12th in the world rankings.
In total, Gatland has overseen 151 Tests across both spells, with 76 wins, 73 losses, and two draws. His recent record stands at just six victories in 26 matches, a win ratio of only 23%.
Tiger Woods has pulled out of this week’s Genesis Invitational, stating he is “still processing” the recent death of his mother, Kultida Woods.
The 15-time major champion, who had initially planned to participate, announced his withdrawal on social media, saying, “I planned to tee it up this week, but I’m just not ready. I did my best to prepare, knowing it’s what my mom would have wanted, but I’m still processing her loss.”
Woods’ mother, Kultida, passed away on February 4. Just days later, tournament organizers had confirmed Woods’ participation in the event, which is now being held at Torrey Pines instead of its usual Riviera Country Club venue due to wildfires in Los Angeles.
Woods has not played a PGA Tour event since The Open at Royal Troon last July. His competitive appearances have been sporadic since a 2021 car accident left him with severe leg injuries, and he underwent additional back surgery in September. Most recently, he played alongside his son, Charlie, in a 36-hole event in December and participated in an exhibition for the Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL), which he co-founded.
As the tournament host, Woods hopes to attend the Genesis Invitational later in the week but has not committed to a specific timeline. The event benefits his TGR Foundation, which supports youth education initiatives.
Fans and fellow players have expressed their condolences and support for Woods as he navigates this difficult time.
Tottenham Hotspur defender Radu Dragusin has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in his right knee. The 23-year-old sustained the injury during Spurs’ Europa League clash against Elfsborg last week and will undergo surgery.
Dragusin is expected to be sidelined for at least six months, though recovery from ACL injuries can sometimes extend to a year. Tottenham confirmed that their medical team will monitor his rehabilitation to determine his return timeline.
The Romanian international had become a key figure for Spurs, starting 21 of their last 23 games. His absence adds to an already extensive injury list, which includes Destiny Udogie, Guglielmo Vicario, James Maddison, Brennan Johnson, Timo Werner, Wilson Odobert, Cristian Romero, and Dominic Solanke. However, Micky van de Ven and Ben Davies have recently returned to action.
Dragusin joined Tottenham from Genoa in January 2024 in a £25 million deal. To bolster their defensive options, Spurs signed Austria international Kevin Danso on loan for the remainder of the season, with an option to buy for £21 million. They also made an ambitious £70 million bid for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, which was rejected, but secured the signing of 19-year-old attacker Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich.
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