FIA Member Clubs and Federations from the Americas have called for legal action to be taken against the recent allegations against President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Last month, the FIA Ethics Committee cleared Ben Sulayem following an investigation into two accusations from a whistleblower involving the governing body’s president.
The first concerned an alleged interference in the race result of the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, while the second involved the certification of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
But he was acquitted of the allegations and a letter has been published on the FIA website with members from 27 countries in the Americas placing faith in Ben Sulayem.
“The FIA Ethics Committee, composed of external and independent members, has unanimously issued the report, in which they declare Mr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, is absolved of the unfounded accusations of interfering in the Formula 1 events held in Saudi Arabia and Las Vegas, in 2023,” the statement began.
It continues to declare “That the resolution of the Ethics Committee ratifies that the President of the FIA, Mr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, acted honourably, transparently and independently.
“Accusations of impropriety and unethical practices propagated by some members of the print and digital media were intended for the sole purpose of causing harm to the FIA and its leadership, particularly the President.
“The selection of the FIA President is enshrined in the FIA Statutes and is the sole purview of its voting members and is not impacted by those from outside the organization who attempt, for their own self-interest, to intervene.
“We will recommend that the FIA initiate legal action against those who, without cause, slander the FIA and its leadership.
“We endorse and ratify our vote of confidence in support of Mr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, for his stewardship of the FIA and his progress to fulfilling his commitment to transform the FIA in an ethical and transparent manner in order to better serve its members.”
