Resignation of FIA Deputy President Robert Reid Amid Governance Crisis
Robert Reid, the FIA’s deputy president for sport and a prominent member of Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s presidential team, has stepped down from his role effective immediately, citing a “governance crisis” within the organization.
The Scottish official, who played a significant role in Ben Sulayem’s presidential campaign in 2021, has been the deputy president for sport since then. However, following a series of controversies and exits from the FIA attributed to a lack of transparency under Ben Sulayem, Reid has now become the highest-profile person to resign from the governing body.
In his resignation announcement, Reid pointed to a “fundamental breakdown in governance standards” within the FIA, expressing alarm over significant decisions being made without proper process or consultation, both internally and with members of the FIA’s governance bodies, such as the Senate and the World Motor Sport Council.
While Reid did not specifically name Ben Sulayem, he emphasized the need for accountability from the FIA leadership and criticized the recent unilateral decision to take over the promotion of the World Rallycross Championship (WRX) without the consent of relevant governing bodies.
Reid labeled this change as “the final breach of trust and due process,” noting that it could expose the FIA to legal risks under European Union competition laws. He stated, “When I assumed this position, it was to serve the FIA’s members and not a concentration of power. Over time, I have seen a consistent decline in the principles we pledged to uphold.”
In his remarks, Reid underscored that his resignation is focused on principles rather than personalities, stressing that motorsport requires leadership that is accountable, transparent, and driven by its members. He declared he could no longer ethically support a system that contradicts these values.
Moreover, Reid asserted his commitment to continue advocating for reform, transparency, and governance that honors the FIA’s members and maintains the integrity of the sport. Following Reid’s resignation, the FIA acknowledged his contributions but did not address his specific concerns regarding the World RX changes.
