Full Breakdown
FIA Votes to Eliminate Presidential Term Limits
6/25/2026, 9:05:59 PM
FIA Removes Presidential Term Limits
On June 25, 2024, FIA voted more than 90% to scrap the three-term limit for its president, allowing unlimited terms. The amendment was driven by incumbent President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who had just been re-elected unopposed to a second term.
Background to the Change
The three-term cap was introduced by Jean Todt after Max Mosley’s 1993-2009 tenure and applied to FIA bodies such as anti-doping and cost-cap committees. FIA officials said a tenure policy mirrors the NFL commissioner model, while IOC President Thomas Bach recently rejected extending his 12-year term.
Key Figures
Mohammed Ben Sulayem – FIA President since 2021, proposer; Robert Reid – former FIA vice-president for sport; Spokesperson – gave the NFL comparison; Thomas Bach – IOC President.
Vote Outcome and Financial Snapshot
The proposal passed with 90.71% support at the Assembly in Macau; FIA’s 2025 report shows a profit of €6.7 million, a 43% rise after a €24 million loss in 2021.
Official Statements & Responses
The FIA said the amendment advances stronger governance, financial discipline and a long-term vision, and Ben Sulayem said the decisions show ongoing progress and a commitment to those principles. The FIA spokesperson cited NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’s tenure as an example of leadership that turned the sport into a global brand and achieved strong governance.
Criticism & Opposition
Robert Reid warned that removing term limits “removes a point at which renewal must happen” and risks making “structurally indispensable” individuals. Tighter eligibility rules could become “a barrier against inconvenient candidates,” leaving the judgment of “sufficient experience” to FIA insiders.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
BBC sources claim Ben Sulayem “wanted to eradicate age restrictions and serve as ‘president for life,’” but FIA and Sulayem have not commented. A vote on removing the age cap—candidates must be <=69 at election—remains pending, leaving uncertainty about indefinite tenure.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Term limits are not a perfect safeguard. They do not guarantee good governance. They do not prevent poor judgement. But they do create a point at which renewal must happen.” — Robert Reid, former FIA vice-president for sport
- “In a press release regarding every change approved by the federation today, Ben Sulayem said: "The decisions approved by our Members here today reflect the continued progress we are making together as a Federation.” — Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President
- “transformed the sport into a global brand and it has an outstanding governance record” — FIA spokesperson (citing NFL)
- “our organisation is best served with a change in leadership; new times are calling for new leaders” — Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee
What’s Next
The FIA is expected to consider an amendment on age eligibility that could cement unlimited terms for the incumbent, while stakeholders will monitor how new rules shape future election contests and governance reforms.
