The purge continues at the FIA: Britain’s representative to the Senate dismissed without explanation

Mohammed Ben Sulayem has made use of his new powers. Less than a month after the adoption of controversial reforms that expand his prerogatives at the head of the FIA, the president dismissed the British representative in the Senate, Ben Cussons, without any explanation. The Briton, who had been in office for more than three years, was replaced by Azerbaijani Anar Alakbarov, a close associate of Ben Sulayem.

Amended statutes to strengthen presidential authority

Until now, the four so-called independent and qualified members of the Senate had to be approved or revoked by the other twelve members. Since the reform voted in the General Assembly last June, this procedure has been abolished. Therefore, the president can now appoint or dismiss them alone.

The FIA had justified this change by a need for reactivity and flexibility in the composition of the Senate, which is responsible for financial oversight and the administrative structure, among other things. However, several member countries had expressed their disagreement. Austria, through its national automobile club, the ÖAMTC (Österreichischer Automobil-, Motorrad- und Touring Club), had described this reform as an infringement on institutional balance. The organization had particularly warned against a weakening of the Senate’s ability to exercise a supervisory role, including over the sitting president.

Criticism of Ben Sulayem’s governance has multiplied recently. Several members believe that the new statutes limit internal checks and balances. The United Kingdom and Belgium also voted against. Despite this, the reforms were adopted with over 83% of the votes at the General Assembly. The FIA invoked a democratic process in accordance with its statutes.

A sudden and unmotivated dismissal

Ben Cussons, vice-president of the Royal Automobile Club, had been sitting on the Senate for three and a half years. He learned of his eviction by letter. “The president wrote to me to say he was appointing my successor. He provided no reason or timetable,” he told BBC Sport.

Cussons claims not to understand this decision. He recalled having supported Ben Sulayem’s candidacy during the 2021 presidential election and not being in conflict with him: « To my knowledge, I have had no dispute with him », he said. He also stated that he requested explanations in writing, but has not yet received a response.

The former representative, however, admitted to having previously expressed reservations about the new confidentiality clause imposed by the FIA, which is stricter than the one previously in force. This clause has also been contested by other members. David Richards, chairman of Motorsport UK, was excluded from the World Council after refusing to sign it.

The dismissal of the Briton adds to other dismissals and departures within the organization, often without official explanation, notably concerning individuals who have expressed disagreements with the current leadership.

A loyalist of the president appointed in his place

Cussons was replaced by Anar Alakbarov, president of the Automobile Federation of Azerbaijan and close to Ben Sulayem. In addition to his sporting duties, Alakbarov is also an assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. His appointment strengthens the FIA president’s ties with a circle of figures considered loyal to his governance.

The spokesperson for the FIA confirmed Cussons’ departure, thanking him for his services, without commenting on the reasons for the dismissal or indicating whether other similar changes were planned.

An election in sight

The dismissal of Ben Cussons comes a few months before the FIA presidential election, scheduled for December 12 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Mohammed Ben Sulayem is running for reelection. Until recently, Carlos Sainz Sr. was considered a potential rival, before withdrawing citing unfavorable circumstances for a candidacy.

Tim Mayer, former chief commissioner of Formula 1, who was also dismissed by Ben Sulayem last year, has since declared his candidacy. He criticizes a closed atmosphere and governance that, according to him, complicates any attempt at an internal alternative.

With broadened leverage and already displayed support, Ben Sulayem approaches the election with an institutional framework that he can now reshape without counterbalance. For the FIA members, the upcoming vote will determine if they validate this evolution of governance.