Sports · Motorsport · 2 hrs ago
FIA president proposes ending age limits for office holders
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem wants to end age limits for people seeking office in motorsport's governing body.
The FIA currently bars anyone over 75 from standing as part of a presidential team, and the proposed change is due to go before its General Assembly next month.
The proposal says age limits could exclude qualified candidates with useful experience.
Critics say the move could help Ben Sulayem remain in power for life.
Six months ago, he ended term limits for leadership posts across the FIA.
He was re-elected unopposed last December after FIA rules blocked three people who wanted to challenge him, including former racing driver Laura Villars and ex-steward Tim Mayer.
Villars is now taking legal action in France over the FIA's electoral process, while the General Assembly will decide whether to approve the age-limit change.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem plans to propose ending age limits for office holders at next month’s FIA General Assembly.
The FIA’s current statutes bar people over 75 from standing as part of a presidential team.
The proposal says age limits could exclude qualified candidates with useful experience and expertise.
Critics say the proposed change is part of an effort by Ben Sulayem to remain president for life.
The FIA has been contacted for comment but has not responded.
- Who
- FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is proposing the change.
- What
- He plans to seek approval to end age limits for FIA office holders. The current rules bar people over 75 from standing as part of a presidential team.
- When
- The proposal is due to go to the FIA General Assembly next month.
- Where
- The FIA, motorsport’s governing body.
- Why
- The proposal argues that age limits could restrict the number of qualified candidates. Critics say the move could help Ben Sulayem remain president for life.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem and the proposal
Critics of the proposed change
Age limits
Mohammed Ben Sulayem and the proposal
The proposal says age limits could restrict the number of qualified candidates and exclude people whose experience could benefit the FIA.
Critics of the proposed change
Critics say ending the limits is part of Ben Sulayem’s effort to ensure he can remain president for life.
An age limit of 70 was imposed during Ben Sulayem’s first presidential term.
The FIA raised the age limit to 75.
The European Parliament passed a resolution calling for high standards of governance, integrity and transparency in sport.
Ben Sulayem was re-elected FIA president unopposed.
An EU consultation on challenges facing the sport sector launched.
Ben Sulayem’s proposal to end age limits is due to go before the FIA General Assembly.
- Proposed change
- End age limits for FIA office holders
- Current maximum age
- 75 for standing as part of a presidential team
- FIA president
- Mohammed Ben Sulayem, 64
- Age limit introduced
- 70 in 2023
- Age limit raised
- 75 in 2024
What people are saying
age limits could restrict the number of qualified candidates eligible for election by the competent bodies, in particular individuals whose experience and expertise could be of benefit to the FIA
enhance governance and accountability within the organisation
reflected the FIA's commitment to maintaining high standards in its leadership and governance structures