The recent approval of significant changes to the statutes of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the governing body of global motorsport, has ignited considerable controversy and criticism. The modifications, which were voted through during the FIA general assembly held in Rwanda, have been described by Thierry Willemarck, the president of the Royal Touring Club of Belgium, as a “worrisome concentration of power.” This characterization reflects widespread concern that the new regulations could undermine transparency and accountability within the organization, crucial aspects of effective governance in any institution.
The amendments regarding the ethics and audit committees of the FIA received a significant majority, with around 75% approval during the vote. However, the dissenting voices within the FIA highlight fears that these changes will weaken checks and balances that are essential for the functioning of the organization. In his remarks prior to the vote, Willemarck emphasized his unease about the overall implications of these alterations. He pointed out that the essence of the changes is to centralize control in the hands of the FIA president and the president of the FIA Senate, both of whom are allied in leadership roles within the federation.
The impetus for these adjustments comes in the backdrop of investigations into allegations concerning Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who has been serving as the FIA president since 2021. As several high-ranking officials have voiced their concerns, the atmosphere surrounding the amendments has become increasingly tense. David Richards, the chairman of Motorsport UK, has also expressed reservations regarding the legitimacy of the process that led to these changes. Richards underscored a desire for greater transparency in future governance, criticizing the manner in which the proposed alterations were brought forth without an extensive discussion or debate among the general assembly members.
Willemarck and Richards have both stressed the importance of a well-functioning governance system, one that allows for independent inquiries and oversight by the general assembly. They argue that good practices adopted by organizations should include the capacity for members to reference audit committees should they harbor concerns about certain practices. Their criticisms suggest that, without proper checks, the potential for abuse of power—even if unintentional—remains.
Despite their concerns, Willemarck acknowledged that the procedural bypass of the FIA’s statute review commission didn’t violate any legal norms. Nonetheless, he indicated a commitment to benchmarking the new statutes against those of other organizations to highlight deviations and draw attention to areas for improvement. The prevailing unease has been echoed by representatives from several European member clubs, including those from Belgium, Britain, and Austria.
Following the assembly, the FIA issued a statement attempting to clarify the reasoning behind the changes made to the ethics committee. A spokesperson noted that the purpose was to enhance independence by minimizing administrative involvement in operations and to grant the committee the authority to evaluate when to launch investigations. However, critics have pointed out that the new statutes necessitate approval from the FIA president for such actions to proceed, potentially undermining the role of the ethics committee.
Additionally, concerns have been voiced regarding the audit committee, which is now positioned as an advisory body to the senate, retaining its authority to assist only when explicitly requested by the senate president. This stipulation raises further anxiety over the transparency of the FIA’s governance, as it implies that the audit committee lacks the autonomy to act independently, which is a fundamental principle in promoting responsible oversight.
The recent developments underscore the balancing act that the FIA faces in ensuring effective governance while navigating the complexities of power and responsibility within its ranks. As the new statutes come into effect, the implications for how the FIA operates and governs will likely continue to draw scrutiny from its member clubs and the wider motorsport community.
