Plans are being drawn up by FIA head Mohammed Ben Sulayem to end age limits for office holders within the governing body of motorsport, an adjustment slated for a vote at next month’s General Assembly following his earlier abolition of leadership term limits.
General Assembly Vote Scheduled
The proposal has been put forward for approval at next month’s FIA General Assembly, BBC Sport reported. It comes six months after Ben Sulayem ended term limits for those holding leadership posts across the organisation. Under the current FIA statutes, any individual over 75 years old is barred from running as part of a presidential ticket.
According to detractors, this represents the latest maneuver by Ben Sulayem to secure his position as FIA president indefinitely. The proposal argues that age limits could restrict the pool of qualified candidates.
“age limits could restrict the number of qualified candidates eligible for election by the competent bodies, in particular individuals whose experience and expertise could be of benefit to the FIA” the document seen by BBC Sport states.
Shifting Governance Standards
An age limit of 70 was imposed in 2023 during Ben Sulayem’s first presidential term. That rule was utilized as a strategic mechanism to block David Richards, the head of MotorsportUK, from running against Ben Sulayem in the 2025 presidential election.
“enhance governance and accountability within the organisation” Ben Sulayem, who is 64, argued at the time. The FIA added then that the move reflected its commitment to maintaining high standards in leadership and governance structures.
Asked why the body had now changed its position, an FIA spokesperson said: “The proposal to remove age limits for FIA officeholders brings the FIA in line with organisations such as the BBC, whose chairman is 74.”
Furthermore, the representative said that the world councils endorsed the submission according to the procedure outlined in the FIA statutes, and that implementation depends entirely on a passing vote by the general assembly.
The FIA position now maintains that an age limit excludes candidates solely on the basis of their date of birth, regardless of experience, expertise, or ability to contribute. Ultimately, the competent FIA bodies will retain full authority to elect the officeholders they deem appropriate.
| Year | Governance Action | Reported Context |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Initial election | Elected FIA president for the first time. |
| 2023 | Age limit imposed | Set at 70 during Ben Sulayem’s first presidential term. |
| 2024 | Age limit raised | Adjusted to 75 to align with contemporary leadership practices. |
| 2025 | Term limits ended | Leadership term limits removed six months prior to current proposal. |
Broader European Context
The timing of Ben Sulayem’s initiative coincides with an October 2025 European Parliament resolution concerning how EU policies shape the European Sport Model. That text recognises that the autonomy of sport is conditional upon good governance. It calls on international, European, and national sports organisations to implement the highest standards of governance, integrity, and transparency with appropriate checks and balances.
A consultation on the topic launched in April 2026 is due to report by the end of this year. The European Union aims to tackle major challenges facing the sector, including financial sustainability, inequalities, governance issues, and inclusion.
The FIA age limit was previously raised to 75 in 2024 on the basis that it was modernising governance and ensuring candidates were aligned with current leadership practices. Age limits for leaders are not universally common across sports governing bodies, with some implementing them to promote renewal while others allow a broader candidate pool.
Legal Challenges Contest Ben Sulayem's Reelection and Governance
Due to a specific provision in the FIA statutes that blocked any challengers from running, Ben Sulayem secured re-election unopposed last December. A trio of prospective challengers—comprising former racing driver Laura Villars and former FIA steward Tim Mayer—found themselves barred from entering the race.
Legal proceedings have been initiated in France by Villars against both Ben Sulayem and the FIA to contest the validity of the election. Ben Sulayem’s presidency has faced persistent controversies regarding governance and transparency, alongside the removal of term limits and statutes concentrating power.
Several senior officers have departed after questioning aspects of his leadership. “a fundamental breakdown in governance standards within” Robert Reid, Ben Sulayem's first vice-president for sport, cited when he resigned in April 2025.
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