Sanctioned Russian Ex-Motorsport Boss Returns to FIA Role

Former Russian Automobile Federation (RAF) president and ex-general Victor Kiryanov has rejoined the rule-making structure of the FIA. His return comes after voluntarily stepping down in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in line with International Olympic Committee rules. This reinstatement follows the FIA's approval in May to allow Russian and Belarusian individuals to participate.

Why it matters:

• Kiryanov's return to the FIA's World Motor Sport Council raises questions about the organization's stance on neutrality and sanctions, especially given his background as a former Russian deputy minister of internal affairs and his presence on sanctions lists in the US, UK, Canada, and the EU.
• It highlights the complex challenge international sports bodies face in balancing political neutrality with geopolitical realities and ethical considerations.

The Details:

• Victor Kiryanov voluntarily stepped down from the FIA World Motor Sport Council in 2022 after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
• His initial departure aligned with International Olympic Committee-aligned rules regarding Russian and Belarusian participation.
• In May of this year, the FIA approved the reinstatement of Russian and Belarusian individuals to its committees.
• FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem reinstated Kiryanov ahead of a meeting on June 11.
• Kiryanov is a former Russian deputy minister of internal affairs.
• He is currently on sanctions lists in the US, UK, and Canada due to his government ties.
• The European Union has also sanctioned him for being a director in a government-affiliated company.
• An FIA spokesperson stated that the FIA is a politically neutral body, governed by a democratically elected Senate, and that members serve in an individual capacity. The spokesperson added that allowing elected members to continue their terms, regardless of nationality, aligns with the approach of other international sports bodies.
• Other federations, like FIFA and UEFA, also have Russians with government ties serving in committees, even while banning national teams and clubs.

The big picture:

• The FIA's decision reflects a broader trend among some international sports organizations to differentiate between national representation (banning flags, anthems) and individual participation (allowing individuals in administrative roles).
• This approach aims to maintain the apolitical nature of sports federations while acknowledging calls for sanctions against government-affiliated individuals.

What's next:

• Kiryanov is not eligible to be elected for the World Council in the next presidential term, which begins after the FIA elections in December.
• The decision will likely continue to spark debate about the effectiveness and consistency of sanctions across various international sporting bodies.
• The FIA's commitment to political neutrality will remain under scrutiny as geopolitical tensions persist.