FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem pushes for con....

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem pushes for con……read more

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is reportedly seeking to introduce significant and controversial amendments to the governing body’s statutes that would effectively consolidate his power and reduce the ability of others to challenge his authority. According to a report published by the BBC, these changes are seen as an attempt by Ben Sulayem to tighten his grip on the organization ahead of the upcoming presidential elections later this year.

The report claims that the proposed revisions, outlined in a confidential document reviewed by the BBC, include moving the deadline for submitting presidential candidacies to an earlier date. This shift could potentially limit the time available for rivals to prepare and launch their campaigns. More significantly, the revisions would allegedly give Ben Sulayem the authority to veto any presidential candidate, effectively granting him the power to block any opponent from even entering the race.

These proposed changes are expected to be presented and voted on during the FIA General Assembly scheduled for June. If approved, they could drastically reshape the organization’s internal political landscape and decision-making process.

An unnamed source quoted by the BBC raised concerns over the implications of these proposals, describing them as an attempt to “eliminate independent checks and balances” within the FIA. Critics fear that this move could erode democratic processes within the federation and lead to a more centralized and potentially authoritarian style of leadership.

This development adds to a growing list of controversies that have surrounded Mohammed Ben Sulayem since he assumed the presidency of the FIA. His tenure has already drawn scrutiny over various governance and transparency issues. The latest effort to change the rules has intensified concerns about the direction in which the FIA is heading under his leadership.

One of the motivations behind these proposed statute changes may be rooted in speculation that Carlos Sainz Sr., father of Ferrari Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr., was considering a run for the presidency. The timing of these amendments is seen by some as an attempt to stifle potential challengers and maintain control over the organization’s future leadership.

Should the General Assembly approve these controversial proposals, it would mark a significant shift in how the FIA is governed and could trigger broader debates about fairness, accountability, and the democratic principles within international sporting bodies. The coming months are expected to be pivotal in determining the future leadership structure of the FIA and the degree to which its internal governance can remain impartial and balanced.