The head of Motorsport UK, David Richards, has issued a stern warning to the FIA, indicating potential legal action due to recent governance changes that he argues contradict the organization’s own rules.
Richards, who previously supported Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s successful 2021 campaign to become FIA president, found himself excluded from a World Motor Sport Council meeting last month. The reason? He refused to sign a new confidentiality agreement, arguing that this exclusion blatantly violates the FIA’s statutes, which mandate that all elected members should have complete access to meetings.
In a candid letter to Motorsport UK’s members, Richards expressed his disappointment, noting the organization’s failure to uphold the three core principles that initially won his support for Ben Sulayem. These principles included a hands-off leadership approach, selecting a competent and autonomous CEO, and maintaining full transparency. Richards elaborated, “The situation has steadily deteriorated, as media reports confirm that several key FIA officials and volunteers have either been dismissed or have resigned under mysterious circumstances.”
Richards highlighted that the independence of the Audit and Ethics Committees has been compromised, reducing their autonomy under the President’s influence. He also pointed out that a UK representative, who voiced concerns, was abruptly removed along with the Chair of the Audit Committee.
Moreover, he criticized the use of electronic voting within the World Motor Sport Council, arguing that it stifles necessary discussions and debates on crucial matters.
Richards, already bound by a previous confidentiality agreement and the FIA’s Code of Ethics, regarded the new agreement as a suppression tool. He listed his main objections:
1. It classified everything as confidential, curtailing his ability to share pertinent information.
2. It allowed the FIA discretion to determine if someone breached the agreement, without any clear process.
3. It imposed an immediate €50,000 fine for any violation, along with unspecified damages.
He strongly feels that the new confidentiality agreement contradicts the transparent governance he believes in and had supported.
Despite understanding the necessity for confidentiality in some matters, Richards stated he was warned that his refusal to sign would result in being banned from the WMSC meeting. When he sought to discuss this issue at the meeting, that request was denied.
Following his exclusion, Motorsport UK’s legal team, alongside their French counterparts, challenged the FIA’s actions but received no response. Frustrated, Richards went public with his allegations and indicated that legal proceedings could be the next step.
“Integrity is a cornerstone of Motorsport UK,” Richards emphasized. “Our Board and Executive Team are committed to operating with openness and transparency to earn the trust and respect of our members. We adhere to Sport England and UK Sport’s Code for Governance, which sets the benchmark for transparency, accountability, and integrity in sports governance.”
Richards underlined the necessity for the FIA to uphold these same standards. “The FIA’s actions violate their own statutes. Unless they address our concerns, we will pursue further legal action,” he stated.
“With a presidential election looming, it’s crucial to remind the FIA of their responsibilities. Holding them accountable on behalf of the sport and its members worldwide is what I pledge to do.”
