FIA member clubs in the Americas have called on the FIA to take legal action against groups they believe have defamed motorsport's governing body and its president, Mohamed Ben Sulayem.
Earlier this year, a whistleblower claimed Ben Sulayem interfered in two F1 grands prix last season, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and Las Vegas.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem cleared of wrongdoing
In one case involving Saudi Arabia, he is said to have tried to impose a penalty on Fernando Alonso, while in the second he is alleged to have facilitated the decertification of a new Las Vegas Grand Prix.
However, following an investigation by the FIA Compliance Officer and a six-member Ethics Committee,
Ben Sulayem was cleared of any wrongdoing.
In a show of support from FIA member clubs and sports federations in the Americas, they recommended that the FIA take action against those who “without cause” try to “defame” the FIA and Ben Sulayem. .
In a letter published by the FIA, member clubs said: “The FIA Ethics Committee, made up of external and independent members, has unanimously published a report in which FIA President Mohamed Ben Sulayem has been exempted from liability. “I have declared that it will be done,” he said. Unfounded accusations of interference in F1 events to be held in Saudi Arabia and Las Vegas in 2023.
“The Ethics Committee's resolution recognizes that FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has acted honorably, transparently and independently.
“The accusations of fraud and unethical conduct spread by some members of the print and digital media were aimed only at damaging the FIA and its leadership, especially the president.
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“The selection of the FIA President is set out in the FIA Statutes and is the sole prerogative of the voting members and is not subject to influence by those outside the organization who may wish to intervene for their own personal gain.
“We recommend the FIA to initiate legal action against those who defame the FIA and its leadership without cause.
“We are committed to fulfilling Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s role as FIA Administrator and his promise to transform the FIA in an ethical and transparent manner to better serve our members. I support and ratify the vote of confidence supporting his progress.”
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