UK Motorsport chief David Richards accuses FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem of eroding accountability, threatening legal action over governance concerns.
Motorsport UK chairman David Richards has openly criticised FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, accusing the President of deteriorating the organisation. Additionally, Richards has threatened legal action if these concerns are not addressed.
A Growing Rift Within the FIA
Richards was recently barred from attending a recent World Motor Sport Council meeting (WMSC). This was after he refused to sign a new non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
The agreement was stricter than the previous versions, with Richards not agreeing to the new terms. However, Richards wasn’t alone. FIA Deputy Director for Sport, Robert Reid, was also banned from the meeting after refusing to sign the NDA.
In a strongly worded letter to Motorsport UK members, Richards emphasised his deep dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs.
Richards stated that he originally backed Ben Sulayem’s presidential campaign as he promised reform and change. However, he noted that the FIA president has had a “distinct failure to meet these promises.” Further, believing that the situation has “progressively worsened” throughout Ben Sulayem’s time in charge.
A ‘Final Straw’ for Richards
The Chief outlined his concerns about the FIA’s governance, particularly regarding the limitations placed on the Audit and Ethics Committees.
According to him, both committees “lack autonomy from the authority of the President.” This raises concerns that many have had about the FIA and its lack of transparency. Additionally, he claims that the UK’s representative on the committees was “summarily removed along with the Chair of the Audit Committee” for challenging certain matters.
The introduction of a stricter NDA appears to have been the breaking point for Richards. He described the document as a “gagging order,” which prevented himself and others from sharing relevant information against the FIA.
Amongst the clauses he objected to, Richards highlighted: The blanket classification of all information as confidential, the FIA’s sole discretion in determining breaches of the agreement, without a clear process or reference framework, and the “immediate fine of €50,000 for any breach and a threat of undisclosed damages.”
Richards believed that this agreement contradicted the FIA’s commitment to greater transparency. Refusing to sign the NDA ultimately led to his exclusion from the WMSC meeting. A move he claims is in “total breach of FIA statutes.”
However, the FIA have defended their position. Stating that “NDAs are routine in all organisations” and are vital to “safeguard personal information.” The spokesperson also claimed that the confidentiality measures had been “overwhelmingly supported by a supermajority of WMSC members.”
Despite Motorsport UK’s legal team formally challenging the FIA on Richards’ exclusion, they have yet to receive a response. Richards made it clear in his letter that if the FIA fails to address these concerns, he will proceed with “further legal action.”
Implications on the FIA
Unfortunately for Mohammed Ben Sulayem, this dispute comes at a crucial time. He is set to face re-elections for his role later this season. With notable members of the motorsports community, such as Susie Wolff, set to challenge Ben Sulayem for his role, big changes could be coming for the sports governing body.
Richards remains firm in his stance, emphasising the need to hold the FIA accountable. “In a year when the President will either be re-elected or a new one appointed, it is more important than ever to remind the FIA of their responsibilities and continue to hold them to account on behalf of the sport and their members worldwide.”
Feature Image Credit: X
