FIA shares statement after approving controversial changes

The FIA has issued a statement defending the changes to its statutes following a successful vote on Thursday.

The FIA General Assembly met in Macau earlier this week to cast their votes on potential changes to certain policies.

Prior to the vote, the Austrian Automobile Association (OAMTC) urged the assembly to postpone the ballot as it warned the proposed changes would mark a “dark period of democratic backsliding”.

However, the assembly voted in favour of the changes with a landslide 83.35% to 16.65% ratio.

Following the OAMTC's criticism of the modifications, the FIA has asserted it has done so to strengthen the governing body's structure.

“The FIA has taken steps since 2021 to strengthen its corporate governance policies,” read an FIA statement sent to RacingNews365. 

“These policies guide the FIA’s operations and ensure its rules, practices and processes are robust and transparent.

“The proposed amendments to the FIA Statutes are designed to further strengthen processes around governance and confidentiality. 

“They will grant the Nominations Committee more time to examine the eligibility criteria of candidates, and help to ensure consistency and rigour in the electoral process. 

“All proposed amendments were voted through by a super majority of FIA Member Clubs at the General Assemblies, in line with the democratic process which governs decision making within the Federation.”