The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) recently concluded its General Assembly in Macau, where controversial amendments to the organization's statutes were voted through despite significant opposition. The changes, championed by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, have ignited debate and raised concerns about governance and transparency within the governing body of motorsport.

The amendments were approved by a significant majority of FIA members, with 83.35% voting in favor of the statute changes and an even larger 88.83% supporting the ethics code modifications. This outcome occurred despite a last-minute plea for delay from Austria's OAMTC (Osterreichischer Automobil-, Motorrad- und Touring Club), one of the FIA's founding members. The OAMTC, supported by representatives from the UK, Belgium, Portugal, and Switzerland, had urged the FIA to postpone the vote to allow for a "proper review and analysis" of the proposed changes.

Critics, including the OAMTC, argue that these amendments risk eroding the FIA's reputation for competent and transparent governance. In a letter addressed to the FIA World Council for Automobile Mobility and Tourism (WCAMT), the OAMTC warned of a potential "dark period of democratic backsliding" within the organization. They specifically highlighted concerns that the changes could benefit the current FIA administration, particularly President Ben Sulayem, and not the FIA itself.

One of the key points of contention is the alteration of the FIA presidential election processes. The amendments include provisions that could allow the president to disqualify potential rivals based on their past records, raising concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the electoral process. Additionally, the changes grant the nominations committee more time to assess candidates' eligibility, which some critics fear could be used to discourage opposition.

Other controversial changes include increasing the president's influence on the FIA Senate membership and aligning the terms of office of the audit, ethics, and nomination committees with the president's four-year term. Concerns have also been raised about limiting the number of representatives of the same nationality on the World Motor Sport Council, potentially reducing diversity of opinion.

The FIA, however, defends the amendments, stating that they are designed to further strengthen processes around governance and confidentiality. An FIA spokesperson emphasized that the changes would grant the Nominations Committee more time to examine the eligibility criteria of candidates and help ensure consistency and rigor in the electoral process. They also highlighted that all proposed amendments were voted through by a super majority of FIA Member Clubs, in line with the democratic process.

Despite the FIA's assurances, critics remain skeptical. Oliver Schmerold, chief executive of the OAMTC, expressed his disappointment after the vote, stating that it is "not good governance to change the longstanding rules for elections only four months before the submission deadline for candidates."

The approved changes have sparked concerns about the concentration of power within the FIA presidency and the potential suppression of ethical inquiries. The eradication of the compliance officer position and the centralization of decision-making power with the FIA president and president of the senate have further fueled these concerns.

With President Ben Sulayem's first term ending in December and him being the only confirmed candidate so far, the timing of these amendments has raised eyebrows. Critics argue that the changes could make it more difficult to challenge his re-election bid and that they contradict his 2021 campaign promises to ensure governance structures comply with best practices. As the FIA moves forward with these controversial amendments, the focus will be on whether they truly strengthen governance and transparency or lead to a period of "democratic backsliding," as feared by some.