Oliver Schmerold Warns of Eroding Checks and Balances at FIA

Oliver Schmerold, CEO of Austria’s motorsport federation (OAMTC) has strongly criticized proposed changes to the FIA statutes, calling them harmful to governance and accountability. The FIA General Assembly in Kigali, Rwanda will vote on these changes which aim to limit the independence of the ethics and audit committees. Specifically, the proposals would give the FIA president and senate president control over ethics complaints and strip the audit committee of its independent authority to investigate financial issues.

Consequently, Schmerold warns that these measures will erode checks and balances, making it harder to attract qualified, independent professionals to key committees. He argues that concentrating control in the hands of a few individuals undermines governance standards and exposes the organization to international scrutiny. Earlier this year, in June, the FIA approved a controversial statute granting the FIA president significant discretion in urgent matters without senate approval.

Schmerold criticized the rule for its broad scope and lack of safeguards. Furthermore, he opposes a new proposal that allows either the FIA president or senate president to oversee investigations involving the other, arguing that their close alliance compromises impartiality. Additionally, he has objected to the lack of debate in the decision-making process as the FIA leadership pushed proposals through e-votes without meaningful discussion.

Although Oliver Schmerold directly voiced his objections to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and legal head Paul O’Dowd, he rejects their argument that restricting information protects individuals under investigation. Instead, he stresses the need for transparency and trust in the 16-member senate. With support from Motorsport UK’s David Richards, Schmerold insists that these changes threaten the FIA’s governance credibility.

Therefore, to signal disapproval, the Austrian federation will vote remotely and skip the Kigali meeting. However, the FIA has not yet addressed the concerns Schmerold raised.