FIA President Sparks Outrage with Power Grab Attempt
In a shocking turn of events, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Reports have surfaced claiming that Ben Sulayem is on a mission to tighten his grip on the governing body by proposing controversial rule changes.
The proposed changes aim to make it significantly more challenging for any opposition to arise against Ben Sulayem in the upcoming presidential elections. One of the most contentious adjustments would grant him the authority to veto any candidates, consolidating his power within the organization.
According to a document obtained by the BBC, the revisions would not only advance the deadline for candidate submissions but also grant Ben Sulayem the unprecedented capability to block potential challengers at his discretion. These modifications are set to be deliberated upon and voted on at the upcoming FIA General Assembly meeting scheduled for June.
This power move is just the latest in a series of polarizing incidents involving the current FIA President, who assumed office from Jean Todt in 2021. Under Ben Sulayem’s leadership, numerous high-ranking officials have resigned from their positions within the FIA, painting a picture of turmoil within the organization.
Moreover, the renowned Chair of Motorsport UK, David Richards, delivered a scathing indictment of Ben Sulayem in a letter that not only criticized the Emirati but also threatened legal action. Richards expressed his dismay at the deteriorating state of affairs under Ben Sulayem’s tenure, highlighting a breaking point when he was coerced to sign a confidentiality agreement that he likened to a “gagging order.”
The controversial figure of Ben Sulayem has also clashed with drivers in the past, notably firing back at their inquiries into the sudden departure of race director Niels Wiitch ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The 63-year-old admonished drivers to mind their own business, asserting that they should focus solely on their racing duties and not meddle in the affairs of the governing body.
As the FIA braces for a pivotal juncture in its leadership, the looming elections and the proposed rule changes spearheaded by Ben Sulayem have ignited a firestorm of criticism and scrutiny. The future of the organization hangs in the balance as stakeholders and observers await the outcome of the impending power struggle at the heart of one of motorsport’s most influential institutions.