FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been given wider-ranging powers, including the ability to block candidates who might challenge his position after a vote by racing’s governing body.
The statute changes, championed by Mohammed Ben Sulayem, sparked controversy when they were announced earlier this year, as some FIA member clubs believe it will make it more difficult for anyone to challenge him, when he seeks re-election later this year.
The changes include provisions allowing the president to bar any candidate from running if there is anything in their record that “questions their professional integrity”.
Another change means the deadline for presidential candidates to declare their intention to run is moved forward, adding another layer of complication to the process of any candidate hoping to challenge Ben Sulayem.
Under the new statutes, the president will gain expanded authority to appoint members to the FIA Senate which, along with the president controls the FIA. The decision will also alter the composition of the World Motor Sport Council, which sets rules and standard for international motor sport, with a limit on the number of representatives of the same nationality.
The FIA Assembly met in Macau on Thursday. According to the BBC, FIA members voted in favour of the controversial amendments by 83.35% to 16.65%, while amendments to the ethics code got an 88.83% majority.
The results come despite the Austrian Automobile Association (OAMTC) having urged FIA members to vote against the changes, warning about the “erosion of the FIA’s reputation” should the changes be voted through.
“There is no urgency regarding these proposed changes … they risk further contributing to the erosion of the FIA’s reputation for competent and transparent governance,” the letter said, according to Reuters.
“It cannot be – and is not – a coincidence that changes relevant to the FIA’s elections have been promoted by the FIA’s leadership at the same time as the FIA’s incumbent president has announced an intention to run in those elections.
