What's Happening?
The current FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, is expected to remain the sole candidate in the upcoming election scheduled for December 12, 2025. This is due to the requirement that any candidate must present a 'presidential list' consisting of 10 individuals, including the President of the Senate, the Deputy President for Automobile Mobility and Tourism, the Deputy President for Sport, and seven additional Vice Presidents. These individuals must represent various global regions, including North and South America, Asia-Pacific, Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, and two from Europe. Currently, no other candidate can meet these regional composition requirements, as candidates cannot be part of more than one presidential list. Ben Sulayem has been the FIA president since 2021.
Why It's Important?
The lack of competition in the FIA presidential election underscores the challenges of meeting the stringent regional representation requirements. This situation highlights the complexities involved in global sports governance, where regional representation is crucial for balanced decision-making. The continuation of Ben Sulayem's presidency could mean stability in leadership, which might be beneficial for ongoing projects and initiatives within the FIA. However, it also raises questions about the inclusivity and accessibility of leadership roles within international sports organizations.
What's Next?
With the election approaching, it is expected that Ben Sulayem will continue to lead the FIA, potentially focusing on furthering the organization's goals and addressing any ongoing challenges in the world of motorsport. Stakeholders within the FIA and the broader motorsport community may need to consider how to encourage more diverse and competitive elections in the future.
