Robert Reid, the Scottish Vice President of the FIA, announced on Thursday that he is stepping down from his duties. After several officials were dismissed last year, Reid speaks of a ‘fundamental breach in the governance standards’ of the organization. He may also be referring to the leadership of the controversial FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. In March, the Emirati reportedly barred him from a meeting because he refused to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
Robert Reid has played a key role within the FIA since Ben Sulayem’s appointment in 2021. However, over the past few years, he has repeatedly expressed his frustration with the president. He complained, among other things, about the lack of transparency and accountability. In a powerful statement, Reid explains why he is leaving the organization: “I am increasingly concerned about crucial decisions being made without a fair process or thorough consultation.”
The Scottish Vice President and David Richards, the head of Motorsport UK, were excluded from an FIA meeting in March because they refused to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Richards later criticized Ben Sulayem and threatened legal action.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem
Robert Reid’s resignation follows a series of internal conflicts and controversies that have plagued the FIA in recent years. “When I took on this role, it was to serve the members of the FIA, not to serve power,” he explained. “I have seen a steady erosion of the principles we promised to uphold.” According to Reid, key decisions within the FIA are made behind closed doors, bypassing the structures and people who should represent the FIA.
It is clear that Robert Reid’s departure did not come out of the blue. The FIA, in the form of Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has been the subject of much criticism lately. The president, who completes his first term at the end of this year, is accused of a number of controversial decisions, including his comments on women in motorsport, his approach to Formula 1, and his business interests in the motorsport world. The dismissal of several top officials also raised questions. In addition, the accountability within the organization was recently significantly reduced, further fueling concerns about internal governance standards.
World Rallycross Championship
The decision that ultimately led to the resignation was the FIA’s recent choice to take on the promotion of the World Rallycross Championship itself. This was not approved by the FIA Senate or the World Motor Sport Council. “It’s not about personalities, but about principles,” Reid finally stated. “Motorsport deserves leadership that is responsible, transparent, and driven by the members. I can no longer, in good faith, be part of a system that does not reflect those values.”
