The Austrian Automobile Association (OAMTC) has called on FIA members to reject a set of proposed statute changes it believes could undermine the integrity of motorsport’s global governing body and limit competition in the upcoming presidential election.
In an unsigned letter dated June 10 and seen by Reuters, the OAMTC expressed strong opposition to a planned vote on the changes, which is scheduled to take place at the FIA General Assembly in Macau on Thursday. Addressed to the mobility section of the FIA’s World Council, the letter urged members to support a motion to remove the vote from the agenda and delay it to a future meeting.
“There is no urgency regarding these proposed changes,” the letter stated. “They risk further contributing to the erosion of the FIA’s reputation for competent and transparent governance.”
The Austrian body expressed concern over the timing of the changes, which coincide with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s announcement that he will seek re-election in December. “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,” the letter read. “Where there is even a risk of these changes appearing to benefit the current FIA administration, and not the FIA itself, the changes should not be adopted.”
A spokesperson for the FIA in London said they were not immediately aware of the letter but confirmed the vote is on the agenda for Thursday’s meeting in Macau. Those attending the assembly could not be reached for comment.
The OAMTC highlighted eight proposed statute changes that it said raise serious concerns about fairness and governance consistency. The group warned that these changes could discourage potential candidates from challenging Ben Sulayem, who so far faces no opposition in his bid for a second term.
Ben Sulayem, who assumed the presidency in 2021, acknowledged in a recent Reuters interview that he has critics but insisted he enjoys widespread support among FIA members. “I only have to answer to my members,” he said. “And they are happy. Actually, they are very happy. They are extremely happy.”
His leadership has been marked by several controversies, including tensions with drivers and internal unrest. High-profile departures, including that of former deputy president Robert Reid, have added to the scrutiny. In his April resignation, Reid cited a “fundamental breakdown in governance standards” at the FIA.
Reid, along with Motorsport UK chairman David Richards, previously opposed another round of statute changes approved last December, which they claimed reduced the oversight powers of the FIA’s audit and ethics committees.
The OAMTC’s intervention reflects growing unease within parts of the FIA over governance reforms and their potential impact on the organisation’s democratic processes.
