Sawt Falasteen - Mohammed Ben Sulayem re-elected unopposed in contentious FIA election

The Dubai-born 64-year-old was the only candidate in the vote held in Tashkent in an election that has been contested in the courts.

Two would-be candidates, Swiss national Laura Villars and American former FIA steward Tim Mayer, were denied the chance to run against Ben Sulayem due to FIA rules.

Under the Paris-based FIA election regulations, candidates are required to appoint vice-presidents from each of the six global regions, chosen from a list approved by the Paris-based FIA.

But there is only one vice-president listed from South America, Brazilian Fabiana Ecclestone -- the wife of ex-Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone -- and she gave her backing to Ben Sulayem.

A Paris court last week decided not to suspend the election but ordered a trial to examine the electoral process after hearing an urgent application from Villars, a 28-year-old Swiss driver.

"The judge hearing the summary proceedings ruled that this dispute was a matter for the trial court, and we will therefore continue this lawsuit against the FIA before the trial judges. A first hearing is scheduled for February 16, 2026," Villars' lawyer Robin Binsard said in a statement last week.

The lawyer said that "given the challenges raised, (the election result) may be examined, questioned or annulled by the court".

As a result Ben Sulayem, who succeeded Jean Todt at the head of the FIA in 2021, was confirmed in the post -- subject to the upcoming court verdict.

"Thank you to all our FIA Members for voting in remarkable numbers and placing your trust in me once again. We have overcome many obstacles but here today, together, we are stronger than ever," Ben Sulayem said in a statement.

- 'Cleaning the house' -

The FIA said in a statement that Friday's election was "conducted in line with the FIA's statutes through a robust and transparent voting process, reflecting the democratic foundations of the federation and the collective voice of its global membership".

The FIA is responsible for organising the Formula One and rally world championships, as well as promoting road safety. It has more than 240 clubs across 146 countries, representing around 80 million members.

A former rally driver, Ben Sulayem's time at the helm of motorsport has been dogged by controversy.

The Emirati was taken to task by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton for using stereotypical language when discussing the use of foul outbursts by drivers on team radios.

Drivers fell out with the FIA over its crackdown on swearing. The guidelines were strengthened in January, triggering an indignant response from drivers.

Controversial fines were later reduced after a backlash from the grid.

In April, the FIA's deputy president Robert Reid resigned with a parting shot at Ben Sulayem, criticising his governance and a lack of transparency.

Ben Sulayem, nonetheless, defended his record last weekend as he looked towards another four years at the helm of motorsport.

"I would say I am looking forward for the next four years," he said. "Cleaning the house was not easy, getting the right people in the FIA was a challenge. Now I can tell you, it was worth the four years of investment.

"And if you tell me now 'OK, if you have the power to rewind the four years, what would you do differently?'. Nothing."

V.AbuAwwad--SF-PST