By letter of 29 February 2000, the Federazione Italiana Sport Equestri informed the FEI that G. decided to appeal against the decision of the Judicial Committee of the FEI dated 31 January 2000. The FEI transmitted this statement of appeal to the CAS Court Office by letter of 9 March 2000 (received by the CAS on 13 March 2000). On 28 March 2000, the Appellant paid the CAS Court Office fee of CHF 500.-- in accordance with art. R48 and R65.2 of the Code of Sports-related Arbitration (the “Code”). The Appellant filed his appeal brief on 31 March 2000.