FIA General Assembly Approves Governance Changes Amid Controversy
The FIA General Assembly convened in Macau this week, voting to amend the governing body’s statutes and ethics code, a move interpreted as a significant victory for president Mohamed Ben Sulayem. The amendments, passed with notable majorities—83.35% for statutes and 88.83% for the ethics code—are aimed at enhancing governance and transparency, though they have attracted criticism for potentially diminishing accountability.
Key Changes:
- The deadline for presidential candidates to declare has been moved forward.
- The president’s influence on the FIA Senate membership has been augmented.
- Terms for key committees—including audit, ethics, and nominations—will now align with the president’s four-year term.
- New provisions allow for the disqualification of candidates whose integrity is questionable.
In a statement, the FIA emphasized that these amendments are designed to reinforce governance and confidentiality processes, affording the Nominations Committee additional time to assess candidate eligibility.
Context and Criticism:
While the vote is viewed as a consolidation of power for Ben Sulayem, concerns have been raised about the erosion of governance standards within the FIA, particularly by Motorsport UK chairman David Richards. He expressed apprehensions over the recent high turnover of officials and the overall accountability within the organization.
Critics argue that these changes benefit the current administration rather than the FIA as a whole. Austria’s Automobile Association (OAMTC) urged members to oppose the proposals, suggesting there was no pressing need for change and that these amendments could further damage the FIA’s reputation for competent governance.
Ben Sulayem, poised for re-election in December, faces scrutiny over his leadership style. Despite this, he maintains considerable support, especially within the Americas, Africa, and Asia, where each FIA member country is afforded equal voting power. This position suggests a strong backing that may help withstand opposition, including potential candidacy from rally legend Carlos Sainz Sr., who has expressed interest in the presidential race.
As the FIA prepares for the upcoming elections, the implications of these changes continue to unfold, potentially reshaping the organization’s governance landscape.
