FIA Presidential Election: Sporting Power Assigned

It is before a judge on Monday, November 10, at 9:30 a.m., that representatives of the sporting authorities will have to defend an electoral system deemed anti-democratic by the plaintiff, which makes any candidacy other than that of the incumbent president impossible—in this case, Mohammed Ben Sulayem. This decision by the French court, which recognizes the urgency and admissibility of the appeal, marks an important first step in a process "aimed at preserving transparency, ethics, and democratic pluralism within the FIA," now that the presidential nomination process is closed and the candidate has been unable to present a presidential team.

Modified in June by the government, the election regulations require candidates to present a list including seven vice-presidents from the six regions of the world (two for Europe, one for North America, South America, the Middle East and North Africa zone, Africa and Asia-Oceania) and from a list approved by the FIA.

This inability to compile a list of candidates is what also forced Tim Mayer, another candidate in the election, to withdraw. To protest the unfair nature of the eligibility process, the American opted for the official FIA channels, knowing full well that they too are tightly controlled. "We are convinced that a series of ethical violations were committed during this electoral process, and we have filed numerous complaints for breaches of ethics," he explained at a press conference held in Austin during the last United States Grand Prix. "However, if the Ethics Committee deems the complaints justified, they will be forwarded to the President of the FIA ​​or the President of the Senate!"

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Support from "FIA Forward"

Laura Villars, for her part, has therefore chosen the path of justice after observing the FIA's silence – even contempt – following her requests for clarification on the principles of governance and representation. "I have twice attempted to open a constructive dialogue with the FIA ​​on essential subjects such as internal democracy and the transparency of electoral rules," explains Laura Villars. "The responses received were inadequate. I am not acting against the FIA; I am acting to preserve it. Democracy is not a threat to the FIA; it is its strength."

The complaint, which comes after several months of fruitless discussions between the candidate and the FIA, has the unconditional support of Tim Mayer. “The FIA ​​Forward campaign has always acted in the best interests of member clubs,” the American stated in a press release. “We have filed complaints regarding ethical breaches in the election and, to date, we have not even received an acknowledgment from the FIA. This situation is unfortunately common and reflects that of Laura Villars’ campaign. We welcome her initiative, which is an important step towards implementing the reforms necessary for democracy and transparency. We will support her efforts by mobilizing all the knowledge and experience of our team to ensure open elections for FIA member clubs.”

In Paris, the court also invited the parties to a conciliation hearing, which Ms. Villars will attend personally. "I will go to this mediation hearing with the same attitude I have had from the beginning: calm, open, and determined. I hope it will finally allow us to begin a sincere dialogue, in service of a more modern, fairer FIA that is closer to its members."

His lawyer, Robin Binsard, emphasizes the legal significance of this decision: "We have obtained authorization to serve the summons on an hourly basis, which demonstrates that the Justice system is carefully considering the serious democratic shortcomings within the FIA, as well as the various violations of the statutes and regulations that we are denouncing."

Invited to speak in the columns of AUTOhebdo, she, who frames her approach in a desire to open a new era for the FIA, prefers to wait until November 10 to speak.