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FIA Deputy President Robert Reid Resigns Citing Governance Concerns

Robert Reid, the deputy president for sport at the FIA, has stepped down from his position, attributing his resignation to what he describes as a “breakdown of governance standards” within the organization. His exit comes shortly after an announcement to FIA president Mohamed Ben Sulayem on Thursday morning, marking an unexpected shift in the leadership dynamics of the motorsport governing body.

Reid, who has served in this second-in-command role since his election in 2021, expressed his growing concern regarding the decision-making processes under Ben Sulayem’s leadership. He highlighted what he perceives as significant decisions being taken without appropriate oversight or input from the FIA’s established governance structures.

“When I took on this role, it was to serve the FIA’s members; not to serve power,” Reid remarked in a statement. “Over time, I have witnessed a steady erosion of the principles we promised to uphold. Decisions are being made behind closed doors, bypassing the very structures and people the FIA exists to represent.”

Reid emphasized that his departure is not motivated by personal conflicts but rather by a commitment to uphold principles of accountability and transparency within the sport. He advocated for a leadership approach that is aligned with the values of member engagement, stating, “Motorsport deserves leadership that is accountable, transparent, and member-driven. I can no longer, in good faith, remain part of a system that does not reflect those values.”

In his statement, Reid also reiterated concerns regarding the lack of proper consultation with FIA members and governance bodies such as the Senate and the World Motor Sport Council regarding critical decisions. His resignation was preceded by his refusal to sign a non-disclosure agreement imposed by Ben Sulayem, an act that also led to him and Motorsport UK chairman David Richards being barred from the latest FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting.

Richards has echoed Reid’s sentiments, expressing concerns about a “shift of the moral compass” in the FIA leadership under Ben Sulayem. Reid has urged FIA member clubs and stakeholders to demand heightened accountability from the federation’s leadership, emphasizing the need for a return to governance practices that foster transparency and involvement across the membership spectrum.

The FIA has been reached out to for comments regarding the situation, as the motorsport community watches closely how these leadership changes will impact the governance of motorsport globally.

Source
www.motorsport.com