Falsterbo Horse Show ends sponsorship agreement with Al Shira'aa Stables after just one month
Massive criticism and debate about "sportswashing" lead to amicable separation
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Just a few weeks after signing a six-year sponsorship agreement, the Falsterbo Horse Show has prematurely ended its collaboration with Al Shira'aa Stables. The contract had envisaged the stables from Abu Dhabi as the title sponsor of the event and the Falsterbo Derby.
According to the organizer, the rapid termination of the contract was triggered by considerable public pressure, particularly in the Swedish media, which accused the show of "sportswashing". The background to this is the connection to Al Shira'aa Stables, which is owned by Sheikh Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan. According to the organizers, the criticism had escalated to such an extent that it threatened to overshadow the event itself.
In a press release on March 27, 2025, Falsterbo Horse Show admitted that the communication surrounding the partnership had been inadequate. President Jana Wannius spoke of regretting the situation and rejected threats against herself and others involved.
The Falsterbo Horse Show will take place as planned from July 5 to 13, 2025.