Robert Reid has resigned from his role as deputy president for sport at the FIA and accused the governing body of a ‘breakdown in governance standards’.
Reid has had a number of disagreements with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem in recent months and his resignation comes after Motorsport UK chair David Richards also accused the FIA of a ‘shift in moral compass’.
Ben Sulayem, who has been involved in a number of controversies since he took to the helm of the FIA, is expected to stand for re-election when his four-year term expires in December.
Reid’s statement read: ‘I took on this role to help deliver greater transparency, stronger governance and more collaborative leadership.
‘Over time, those principles have been increasingly set aside and I can no longer, in good faith, remain part of a system that no longer reflects them.
‘Stepping away was not easy, however staying would have meant compromising what I believe in. This is about principles, not politics.
Robert Reid has resigned from his role as deputy president for sport at the FIA
Reid has accused the governing body of a ‘breakdown in governance standards’
He has had a number of disagreements with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem (right)
‘Motorsport deserves leadership rooted in integrity, accountability and respect for process. That’s the minimum standard we should all expect and demand.’
FIA statutes were changed at the last FIA general assembly, with some suggesting the move amounted to a reduction in accountability.
Richards said last month that he was barred from taking part in a meeting of the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council, which meets regularly to discuss the governance of all forms of motor sport including Formula One, after electing against signing a non-disclosure agreement.
The NDA would outlaw individuals from discussing matters relating to the FIA away from council meetings and Richards says he viewed its introduction as a ‘gagging order’.
Responding to Reid’s resignation, an FIA spokesperson said: ‘The FIA is grateful for Robert Reid’s contribution to the FIA and to motor sport more widely.
‘The FIA has exceptionally robust corporate governance policies which guide our operations and ensure our rules, practices and processes are adhered to.’
