Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the current president of the FIA, is reportedly looking to have presidential term limits abolished. This proposal could pave the way for him to run for a third, or even a fourth term, potentially reshaping the leadership of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile.
Motorsport, it seems, is often a game of power and longevity. According to reports from the BBC, corroborated by Motorsport.com, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who has led the FIA since 2021, intends to propose changes to the federation’s statutes to remove the limit on presidential terms. If approved by the General Assembly next month, this decision could open the door for an extended presidency for the Emirati.
A Precedent Set by Jean Todt
Currently, Article 20.10 of the FIA statutes clearly states that a president can serve no more than three terms, whether consecutive or not, equating to a maximum of 12 years. This rule, established during Jean Todt’s presidency, was adhered to by the Frenchman, who stepped down at the end of 2021 after three terms.
Before him, Max Mosley led the FIA from 1993 to 2009. His departure was marked by significant disagreements with the teams and a personal scandal that prompted him not to seek a fifth term. The current limit, therefore, is relatively recent and was intended to encourage renewal within the governing bodies.
A Proposal Raising Questions
Ben Sulayem’s plan will require a modification of the statutes, which will be put to a vote by the FIA General Assembly. An FIA spokesperson clarified that the aim is to establish ‘a consistent approach to tenure across all FIA bodies’, comparable to that of the World Councils and the Senate, which are not subject to this limitation. Approval of this change is considered likely.
However, this move inevitably raises questions. Why not apply term limits across all positions rather than removing them solely for the presidency? The FIA points to the example of the NFL and Roger Goodell, commissioner since 2006, who has transformed the American sport into a global brand. This argument may not convince all observers, accustomed to shorter governance periods in motorsport.
Towards Stricter Candidacy Requirements?
Beyond the issue of term limits, the BBC reports that other measures are being considered to tighten the requirements for presidential candidates. One such measure would reportedly demand that candidates ‘demonstrate sufficient experience within an FIA member organisation or an FIA body’. Furthermore, the deadline for presenting vice-presidential candidates could be extended from 49 to 100 days before the election.
These changes, if validated, would make it even more challenging for new candidates to emerge. We recall last year’s election, where the rule requiring vice-presidents to be nominated from members of the World Council and the federation’s six regions effectively limited the choice. The presence of Fabiana Ecclestone, the only eligible candidate for South America on Ben Sulayem’s ticket, prevented other potential contenders from standing.
An Election Already Contested
Laura Villars, an unsuccessful candidate in the presidential election, had indeed challenged Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s re-election in court. This latest attempt to alter the rules, even before a final judicial decision, could fuel tensions within the FIA. It remains to be seen how the member federations will react to these proposals, which clearly aim to consolidate the existing power structure.
Key Takeaways:
- The FIA may soon remove presidential term limits.
- This could allow Mohammed Ben Sulayem to seek a third term.
- Measures to toughen candidacy requirements are also reportedly under consideration.
- These changes aim to enhance stability but could potentially limit internal democracy.
- The NFL model is cited as a justification for this potential evolution.
