FIA President Ben Sulayem Set to Stand Unopposed in Upcoming Election
London, UK - Mohammed Ben Sulayem is poised to remain FIA President after a process that critics allege undermines the association’s stated commitment to democratic elections. The upcoming election is facing scrutiny due to rules requiring presidential candidates to present a slate of seven vice-presidents chosen from a pre-approved list of World Council nominees.
The FIA statutes mandate the body “respect the highest standards of governance, openness adn democracy, including anti-corruption functions and procedures,” and require neutrality in the election process, ensuring “equal treatment between candidates for the FIA’s presidency.” However,concerns are rising that the current system effectively prevents any viable challenge to the incumbent.
Robert Reid, who resigned as Ben Sulayem’s vice-president of sport in April citing “a fundamental breakdown in governance standards within motorsport’s global governing body,” outlined the issue in a recent LinkedIn post. He wrote, “If the incumbent already controls those names in any region through persuasion, pressure or promise, then no challenger can form.” Reid further stated the process “looks democratic, but in practice it locks the door from the inside. It isn’t democracy. It isn’t even unusual. But that doesn’t make it right.”
Adding to the controversy, questions have been raised regarding the eligibility of Daniel Coen of Costa Rica, nominated by Ben Sulayem for the vice-president for sport position representing North America. FIA rules stipulate that World Council members must represent countries hosting international motorsport events, a criterion Costa rica currently does not meet.
Neither the FIA nor candidate Mayer have responded to requests for comment on the matter.
