FIA President Mohamed Ben Sulayem faces mounting criticism over governance failures, as Motorsport UK challenges his leadership and threatens legal action.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is under intense scrutiny as Motorsport UK Chairman David Richards openly challenges his leadership, accusing him of failing to uphold key election promises and compromising transparency within the organization.
The crisis has escalated following the exclusion of Richards and other FIA officials from a World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) meeting, allegedly for refusing to sign a controversial confidentiality agreement, which Richards describes as a “gagging order.” Motorsport UK has now threatened legal action against the FIA, calling into question its governance and decision-making processes.
A Leadership Under Fire
Richards, a former F1 team principal and the head of Motorsport UK, has been a vocal critic of Ben Sulayem’s presidency.
Initially a supporter in the 2021 FIA elections, Richards now says he has lost faith in the FIA president’s ability to lead effectively.
In a strongly worded letter to Motorsport UK members, Richards detailed his grievances, highlighting that Motorsport UK backed Ben Sulayem over British candidate Graham Stoker on the basis of three core promises:
- A “hands-off” presidency that would allow a professional executive team to manage daily FIA operations.
- The appointment of a capable CEO to run the FIA with professional standards.
- Full transparency and the highest levels of governance.
However, he argues that instead of progress, governance has significantly deteriorated, with a series of opaque decisions, dismissals, and resignations raising concerns about the lack of accountability within the FIA.
The Confidentiality Agreement Controversy
One of the most contentious issues fueling this dispute is the new FIA confidentiality agreement, which Richards and several other members refused to sign.
While FIA policies already include standard confidentiality clauses, this new agreement imposed harsher restrictions, limiting members’ ability to share information relevant to their roles.
Richards argues that:
- Everything is now classified as confidential without qualification.
- The FIA has discretionary power to decide if someone violates the agreement, with no formal due process.
- Violations result in immediate fines of €50,000, with the threat of further damages.
After refusing to sign the agreement, Richards, along with Deputy President of Sport Robert Reid and other key figures, were barred from attending the WMSC meeting.
He describes this as a direct violation of FIA statutes, which guarantee that elected members have full access to meetings.
“This was the final straw,” Richards stated, emphasizing that the lack of debate over such a fundamental policy further undermines transparency and governance.
Legal Action Looms Over FIA
Motorsport UK has engaged legal counsel from both the UK and France to challenge the FIA’s actions. Despite multiple inquiries, the FIA has failed to provide a clear explanation for barring elected members from the meeting.
“If the FIA does not address our concerns, we will move forward with legal action,” Richards warned.
The controversy comes at a critical moment, as the FIA is set to elect its next president. Whether Ben Sulayem remains in power or a new leader takes charge, the governance crisis raises pressing questions about the future of motorsport leadership.
For its part, the FIA defends the confidentiality measures, stating that they are standard practice in global organizations and are meant to protect regulatory interests.
A spokesperson noted that the agreement was supported by a supermajority of WMSC members.
What’s Next for the FIA?
This dispute has far-reaching consequences for the FIA’s governance and credibility.
With legal action looming and elections approaching, the federation faces mounting pressure to address concerns over transparency, decision-making, and leadership accountability.
Richards insists that his fight is about protecting the integrity of motorsport, ensuring that FIA decisions serve the interests of the sport and its global stakeholders.
As tensions escalate, the FIA’s next moves will be closely watched by teams, officials, and fans worldwide.
Final Verdict: Governance Reform or Legal Showdown?
The battle between Motorsport UK and the FIA could set a precedent for the future of motorsport governance, determining whether the FIA can regain the trust of its members—or face legal and reputational damage that could reshape its leadership.
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FIA President Under Fire as Governance Crisis Escalates FIA President Under Fire as Governance Crisis Escalates FIA President Under Fire as Governance Crisis Escalates
