Only a month after signing a six-year sponsorship contract with Al Shira'aa Stables, Falsterbo Horse Show has announced that the agreement has been terminated. Under the agreement, Al Shira'aa became the title sponsor of the event, as well as the title sponsor of the Falsterbo Derby. 

The mutual decision to terminate the contract follows a month of massive criticism from the Swedes, both in media and social media, as Falsterbo Horse Show has been accused of sportswashing. Many have been critical of the Swedish show receiving funding from Al Shira’aa Stables, which is founded and owned by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan – with its main base in Abu Dhabi, UAE. 

Al Shira'aa Stables is also the sponsor of the Hickstead Derby in the UK, and as of 2025 they are the title sponsor of the Hamburg Derby in Germany. Al Shira'aa Stables also sponsors its own home event in Abu Dhabi, this year a CSI4*-W show.

In a press release dated 27 March 2025, Falsterbo Horse Show stated that the agreement was signed with the best intentions but that there has been a lot of criticism since the sponsorship contract was announced. Falsterbo Horse Show believes it has failed in communicating its decision and the purpose of the long-term partnership with Al Shira'aa Stables. “It has escalated in a way that the discussion and the debate overshadow what we all love, the competition and event,” the press release stated.

“This agreement was developed with the biggest expectations and enthusiasm. To become part of Al Shira’aa’s investment, together with Hamburg and Hickstead, among others, was something we considered would improve these classical and historical competitions. But the hatred and different threats directed at Al Shira’aa, at H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bint Zayed Al Nahyan, and at me personally and my colleagues, have been beyond all fairness,” said Jana Wannius, President of Falsterbo Horse Show, in the press release.

Falsterbo Horse Show will still run as planned, between 5-13th July 2025.