Motorsport UK Chairman Threatens Legal Challenge Against FIA Over Governance Breach
The chairman of Motorsport UK, David Richards, has threatened legal action against the FIA over recent governance changes that he claims violate the organization's statutes.
The dispute arose after Richards was barred from a World Motor Sport Council meeting for refusing to sign an additional confidentiality agreement, despite already being bound by the FIA Code of Ethics and an existing confidentiality agreement from 2021.
Racing car on track during competition
Richards, who previously supported Mohammed Ben Sulayem's FIA presidential bid in 2021, outlined three failed promises that led to this conflict:
- Hands-off leadership
- Appointment of an empowered CEO
- Full transparency of actions
Key concerns raised by Richards include:
- Multiple senior FIA members and volunteers being fired or resigning
- Restricted scope of Audit and Ethics Committees
- Removal of UK representative and Audit Committee Chair
- Limited World Motor Sport Council functionality through e-voting
- Implementation of what he describes as a "gagging order"
After being denied entry to the WMSC meeting, Motorsport UK's legal team challenged the FIA but received no response. Richards emphasized that these actions violate the FIA's own statutes and announced potential legal proceedings unless the issues are addressed.
The timing is particularly significant as it coincides with an upcoming FIA presidential election year, where Richards aims to ensure accountability and proper governance in motorsport's governing body.