Incumbent FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is slated for re-election despite facing competition from three other candidates during December’s presidential elections.
Ben Sulayem’s regime has come under immense scrutiny owing to certain contentious policy decisions in the past.
The most recent being the fines and sanctions imposed across all FIA championships for drivers swearing or criticising the governing body in a public forum.
Naturally, coming into this year, with Sulayem’s four-year term coming to an end, speculation was rife about whether he would stand a chance at re-election if not unopposed.
As things stand, three candidates, in addition to Ben Sulayem, have promptly dropped their hats into the election ring.
Former FIA Steward Tim Mayer, 28-year racing ace Laura Villars, and former Miss Belgium Virginie Philippot are all in the running to take the Emirati’s crown – or so it would seem.
The regulations surrounding the FIA’s elections contain a mandate that might have rendered Ben Sulayem’s competitors without a leg to stand on even before a single vote is cast.
As it turns out, each candidate must nominate key positions, including that of vice president, from within all the regions that come under the FIA.
While Sulayem has complied with this condition, his rivals reportedly have not — and with the window to submit such a nomination now closed, they are ineligible to be put on the ballot.
The region missing for the likes of Mayer, Villar, and Philippot is South America. Ben Sulayem’s nominee is Fabiana Ecclestone, who will strongly favour the 63-year-old.
When approached, the FIA furnished a damning reality check for Ben Sulayem’s rivals.
“With regard to the candidatures for the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC), FIA Members and interested candidates had more than three months (from 13 June until 19 September) to submit applications for the WMSC if they so wish,” said a spokesperson.
“They had access to the relevant information and documents, which were easily accessible on the FIA’s website, in order to submit an application.
“In addition, the FIA Administration remained at the disposal of the FIA Members and interested candidates for the WMSC to provide them with clarifications in order to complete their applications on time.”
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