Breaking News: Lawsuit threat amid attacks on Mohammed Ben Sulayem over…read more
Lawsuit threat amid attacks on Mohammed Ben Sulayem over governance
Motorsport UK, the governing body for motorsport in the United Kingdom, has threatened legal action against the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) amid escalating concerns over governance under the leadership of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
The dispute intensified when Motorsport UK’s chairman, David Richards, was barred from a recent World Motor Sport Council meeting for refusing to sign a newly introduced non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Richards described the NDA as a “gagging order” that contradicts the FIA’s commitment to transparent governance.
In a letter to Motorsport UK members, Richards outlined his grievances, citing recent FIA scandals, leadership departures, and attempts to limit the power of the audit and ethics committee. He emphasized that these issues represent an “erosion of accountability and good governance” within the FIA.
Despite sending a legal letter to the FIA, Richards reported receiving no response, prompting considerations of further legal action if the issues remain unaddressed.
This development adds to the growing scrutiny of Ben Sulayem’s presidency, with Formula 1 drivers expressing dissatisfaction and loss of confidence in the FIA’s leadership. The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) recently issued a public statement demanding more respectful treatment and financial transparency, highlighting unresolved issues since Ben Sulayem took office in December 2021.
