A growing row over whether Ingmar De Vos could hold concurrent roles as salaried Fédération Equestre International secretary general and president has resulted in a proposal that would make the role of president a paid position.

Legal advice initially indicated the dual role was permissible under FEI statute and Swiss law. But then rival presidential candidate Pierre Genecand commissioned an alternative opinion, and De Vos revealed in a personal email to all national federations that even some who asked him to stand share these concerns.