FIA Approves Controversial Statute Changes Strengthening President Ben Sulayem's Reelection Control

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) recently approved controversial statute changes widely seen as strengthening President Mohammed Ben Sulayem's hold on the organization ahead of his re-election bid. The amendments, passed with over 83% support, include provisions allowing the president to disbar rivals based on professional integrity concerns, move the candidacy registration deadline earlier, and appoint members to key FIA bodies, potentially consolidating power. Critics, including Austria's Automobile Association (OAMTC) and other national representatives, warned these changes risk damaging the FIA’s reputation and eroding democratic governance, with some fearing a 'dark period of democratic backsliding.' Ben Sulayem, who faces no declared opposition so far, defended the changes as efforts to improve election processes and welcomed competition in the name of democracy. The statute revisions have drawn criticism from prominent motorsport figures and sparked concerns about reduced transparency, less diverse representation, and increased executive control within the FIA's governance structures. Despite these concerns, the changes were adopted in a General Assembly meeting in Macau, confirming the incumbent president’s strong support among FIA members.