Motorsport UK’s response to the FIA was sparked by a “disappointing” reply to their concerns.
- David Richards, chairman of Motorsport UK, threatened legal action over governance issues.
- Richards, blocked from an FIA meeting, criticized their new confidentiality agreements.
- The FIA’s insistence on confidentiality has been met with strong words from Richards.
- Richards hopes for a constructive dialogue despite the FIA’s dismissive stance.
Motorsport UK’s David Richards found himself at odds with the FIA after what he described as a “disappointing” response from them regarding governance issues. Richards, a long-standing figure in the motorsport community, had previously threatened legal action against FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, citing a worrying “erosion of accountability and good governance.” His concerns were exacerbated when he was barred from a World Motor Sport Council meeting for refusing to sign a newly imposed non-disclosure agreement. This stricter NDA seemingly aims to prevent discussions about FIA matters outside their official channels, a move Richards sees as unnecessarily restrictive.
In response to these actions, Richards penned a letter to Motorsport UK members, expressing his discontent with Ben Sulayem’s leadership and the FIA’s lack of autonomy and transparency. Despite FIA claims that their meetings comply with guidelines, Richards’ grievances highlight a deeper discontent with the organization’s direction. An FIA spokesperson, addressing these concerns, emphasized that confidentiality agreements are routine practices meant to protect sensitive information and maintain governance integrity. However, according to Richards, the latest correspondence from FIA General Manager Alberto Villarreal has only added fuel to the fire.
Villarreal’s letter suggested there was no “reasonable objection” to the NDA and celebrated the positive changes under Ben Sulayem’s leadership. Yet Richards’ rebuttal highlights his view of the NDA as a “gagging order,” one that has been dismissively addressed. He insists that the agreement lacks clear procedures for handling breaches and disputes. Furthermore, his exclusion from the WMSC meeting, Richards argues, violates FIA statutes and French law.
Despite the apparent dismissal of his concerns in Villarreal’s response, Richards presses for a resolution through constructive dialogue. His stance reflects a broader sentiment within the Motorsport UK community, where others share similar anxieties about FIA’s governance. Richards remains hopeful for a meeting with the FIA President in the Middle East, emphasizing the need for transparency and an acceptable outcome.
The ongoing dispute between Motorsport UK and FIA highlights the need for open dialogue and transparency in motorsport governance.
