After Ben Sulayem was cleared of an investigation into alleged interference in two Formula 1 races last year, a selection of member clubs have issued a letter of strong support in his favour.
Clearly designed to quell any rumors of an internal uprising against Ben Sulayem in the short term, a letter signed by more than 30 representatives of FIA of the Americas clubs and sports federations showed strong support for him.
It's a clear message of dissatisfaction with the recent allegations made against Ben Sulayem, who was investigated after a whistleblower suggested he had interfered with a stewards' decision at last year's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and had crossed the line also regarding the approval of the Las Vegas street circuit.
In the letter, published on the FIA website, the clubs say they “recommend that the FIA take legal action against those who, without reason, defame the FIA and its leadership”.
The clubs felt that the various reports on Ben Sulayem's situation were deliberately aimed at damaging the FIA. And they said: “The allegations of impropriety and unethical practices spread by some members of the print and digital media were intended solely to harm the FIA and its leadership, particularly the President.”
The clubs also fully endorse the findings of the FIA, which cleared Ben Sulayem of having acted improperly following a 30-day investigation conducted by the FIA's chief compliance officer and its six-person ethics committee, which including interviews with 11 witnesses.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President, FIA
Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
The letter states that: “The resolution of the Ethics Committee ratifies that the President of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, acted with honour, transparency and independence”.
“That the selection of the President of the FIA is enshrined in the FIA Statutes and is the exclusive responsibility of its voting members and is not influenced by those who, from outside the organisation, attempt to intervene for their own personal interest.”
And he added: “We approve and ratify our vote of confidence in support of Mr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, for his management of the FIA and for his progress in fulfilling his commitment to transform the FIA in an ethical and transparent manner to better serve its members”.
The letter is signed by 34 clubs and sports federations from the Americas, including representatives of Colombia, Canada, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Peru, Panama, Guatemala, Uruguay, Mexico, Venezuela, Brazil, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Chile, Belize, Paraguay, Honduras, Argentina, Chile, El Salvador, Bolivia, Cayman Islands, Bahamas, Haiti, Jamaica, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Antigua.
The list also includes the signature of Fabiana Ecclestone, South American Vice President for Sport and wife of former F1 boss, Bernie Ecclestone.
She has emerged as a potential future presidential candidate, potentially as early as the next election in 2025, depending on whether or not Ben Sulayem chooses to seek a second term.
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