The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) and Longines have signed a sponsorship agreement under which the brand becomes the first "top partner" of the FEI, as Official Timekeeper and Official Watch. The partnership currently includes a number of rights for major events, including the FEI World Rider Rankings in show jumping, official timekeeper status for the FEI Nations Cupa starting in 2013 and the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in 2018 and 2022. Longines will also be title partner of the FEI World Endurance Championships in 2016 and 2020.
Longines will then be the new main sponsor of the FEI World Cup show jumping at the start of the 2013/2014 season in October this year, and will also sponsor an FEI TV programme in the coming months.
Longines' status as an Official FEI Timekeeper opens up a whole range of opportunities for future cooperation on sporting projects across the seven disciplines of the FEI.
"It is wonderful to welcome Longines as the first 'top partner' of the FEI," said Her Royal Highness Princess Haya, President of the FEI. "This is a historic day for the FEI and for equestrian sport. Longines and the FEI share the same passion for horses and this long-term agreement is a clear demonstration of Longines' commitment to our sport. We are delighted to welcome Longines into the FEI family and look forward to a lasting partnership that will benefit equestrian sport in many ways.
The agreement was signed by Her Royal Highness Princess Haya, President of the FEI, and Nayla Hayek, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Swatch Group, at an official ceremony in Lausanne.
