FIA Presidential Election Faces Legal Challenge from Laura Villars
Summary
Swiss racing driver Laura Villars has launched a legal challenge against the FIA, seeking to suspend the upcoming presidential election. She argues that current election rules unfairly block rival candidates by limiting choices for regional vice presidents, effectively making incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem the sole contender. A Paris court hearing is set for November 10th, with potential implications for the FIA's governance and leadership.
Swiss racing driver Laura Villars has initiated legal action against the International Automobile Federation (FIA), challenging the integrity of its presidential election process. This move comes as current president Mohammed Ben Sulayem appears to be the only confirmed candidate for the December 12th election, prompting Villars to seek a suspension of the vote.
Why it matters:
- This legal challenge throws a wrench into the FIA's presidential election, raising serious questions about the organization's democratic principles and governance.
- A successful challenge could force a reevaluation of the election rules and potentially lead to significant structural changes within motorsport's global governing body.
- The outcome will have implications for the future leadership and direction of the FIA, impacting various motorsport disciplines, including Formula 1.
The Details:
- Villars had expressed interest in running for president in September, aiming to challenge incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
- However, FIA election rules stipulate that presidential candidates must submit a list of prospective vice presidents for sport, with one from each of the FIA's six global regions.
- The critical hurdle is the FIA World Motorsport Council (WMSC) list, which currently includes only one candidate from South America: Fabiana Ecclestone, wife of former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone. She is already part of Ben Sulayem's team.
- This effectively prevents any other candidate from naming a South American vice president, thus blocking them from entering the election.
- Villars' legal summons requests a Paris court to suspend the December 12th election until a ruling on the dispute is made.
- A court hearing for this matter is scheduled for November 10th.
- Villars argues that the current process violates Article 1.3 of the FIA statutes, which mandates 'the highest standards of governance, transparency and democracy'.
- An FIA spokesperson declined to comment on the ongoing legal action.
Between the lines:
Villars describes her legal action as
Original Article :https://www.blackbookmotorsport.com/news/fia-president-election-laura-villars-le...
