Robert Reid, the deputy president for sport at the FIA, has announced his resignation from his post today. The Scot has been alongside FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem following the latter’s election in 2021.
However, the following controversies surrounding the organisation and Ben Sulayem have prompted the 59-year-old to split ways, effective immediately.
Reasons behind the resignation
Reid believes the FIA has neglected due process and proper consultation over critical decisions.
“When I took on this role, it was to serve the FIA’s members, not to serve power.
“Over time, I have witnessed a steady erosion of the principles we promised to uphold.
“Decisions are being made behind closed doors, bypassing the very structures and people the FIA exists to present.”
Reid’s departure also happened to take place after changes to the statutes concerning the ethics and audit committees in 2024. Thierry Willemarck, the head of the Royal Touring Club of Belgium, labeled the move as “worrisome concentration of power.”
Motorsport UK chairman David Richards also criticised the FIA’s “shift of moral compass”.
Controversies, again
Ben Sulayem’s presidential tenure was embroiled with controversies. The Emirati was criticised over dismissal of senior figures and regulating the drivers’ public behavior, just to name a few.
Ben Sulayem’s administration will end this December, but he may run for a second term. While he remains unopposed so far, a candidate was said to be readying their running for the office.
Reid said his resignation was attributed to principles, not personality. He stated the governing body deserves to be led by an accountable and transparent leadership.
“Motorsport deserves leadership that is accountable, transparent and member-driven. I can no longer, in good faith, remain part of a system that does not reflect those values.”
The decision to to take the promotion of the World Rallycross Championship in-house without approval by the FIA senate or world council was the final straw for Reid.
Reid said this action “could carry legal risk under European Union competition law“.
The move contradicts both a prior commitment from the FIA World Motorsport Council regarding the structure and profitability of world championships and a 2001 agreement with F1 where the FIA promised to separate itself from the commercial aspects of its events to avoid conflicts of interest.
FIA statement in relation to the resignation of Robert Reid
“The FIA is grateful for Robert Reid’s contribution to the FIA, and to motor sport more widely.
“The FIA has exceptionally robust corporate governance policies which guide our operations and ensure our rules, practices and processes are adhered to.
“The FIA World Rallycross Championship is a hugely popular sport. In recent years, World and European Rallycross events have been watched by a growing audience of over 30 million viewers spanning over 100 countries.
“The FIA has directly invested into the Championship for the benefit of fans, teams, and FIA Member Clubs. This investment is in line with the FIA’s commitment to double participation in motor sport globally.”
