Critics Warn of ‘Dark Period’ of Democratic Backsliding

The FIA’s General Assembly in Macau has passed a series of controversial changes to the governing body’s statutes, despite warnings from critics that the move will erode accountability and transparency. The changes, which were proposed by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, were approved by an overwhelming majority of 83.35% to 16.65%.

The amendments, which also include changes to the ethics code, have been criticized by the Austrian national motoring club, the OAMTC, which described the move as “not good governance” and “not good in terms of checks and balances”. The club’s chief executive, Oliver Schmerold, expressed concern that the changes will “stack the WMSC with supporters rather than encourage diversity of opinion” and “blatantly reduce the independence of oversight bodies”.

According to Schmerold, the changes will also limit the power of the ethics committee, allowing the FIA president and president of the senate to suppress ethical inquiries with ease. This, he argued, will undermine the very principles of accountability and transparency that the FIA claims to uphold. Furthermore, the OAMTC letter highlighted the eradication of the post of compliance office, which was responsible for ensuring that the FIA’s governance structures were compliant with best practices.

The letter also pointed out that Ben Sulayem has implemented none of the “critical changes” that were recommended by a review and audit of the FIA’s governance structure commissioned from McKinsey in 2022. This, Schmerold argued, is a clear indication that Ben Sulayem is not committed to improving the FIA’s governance structures.

Ben Sulayem’s leadership has been under scrutiny in recent months, with several members barred from a meeting in March over a dispute with the FIA president. The OAMTC letter hinted at the prospect of a legal challenge, citing concerns that the changes were endorsed by world council meetings that were not properly constituted.

The controversy comes as Ben Sulayem prepares to stand for re-election, with his first term of office ending in December. Rally legend Carlos Sainz has said he is considering running, but has not made a final decision. With the FIA’s governance structures under increasing scrutiny, the outcome of the election will be closely watched by fans and stakeholders alike.

The FIA spokesperson defended the changes, stating that they will “further strengthen processes around governance and confidentiality” and “grant the nominations committee more time to examine the eligibility criteria of candidates”. However, critics remain unconvinced, with Schmerold stating that the changes will “not good governance” and “self-evidently weakens the ability of the senate to perform its oversight functions”.

As the FIA continues to navigate this controversy, many are left wondering what the future holds for the governing body. Will the changes to the statutes be a step towards greater transparency and accountability, or will they further erode the principles of good governance? Only time will tell.

Key Points

The FIA’s General Assembly passed a series of controversial changes to the governing body’s statutes, despite warnings from critics that the move will erode accountability and transparency.

The changes, which also include changes to the ethics code, were approved by an overwhelming majority of 83.35% to 16.65%.

The Austrian national motoring club, the OAMTC, criticized the move, describing it as “not good governance” and “not good in terms of checks and balances”.

The changes will limit the power of the ethics committee and eradicate the post of compliance office, which was responsible for ensuring that the FIA’s governance structures were compliant with best practices.

Ben Sulayem’s leadership has been under scrutiny in recent months, with several members barred from a meeting in March over a dispute with the FIA president.

The controversy comes as Ben Sulayem prepares to stand for re-election, with his first term of office ending in December.