Key Highlights
- Victor Kiryanov, a former Russian general sanctioned by the USA and UK, has been invited back into the rule-making structure of motorsport’s governing body, the FIA.
- Kiryanov stepped down from his role on the FIA world motorsport council when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
- FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem reinstated Kiryanov for a meeting of the body on June 11, 2023.
- Kiryanov’s involvement with the FIA comes through his position as head of the Russian Automobile Federation.
The Return of Victor Kiryanov to Motorsport Governance
In a move that has raised eyebrows, Victor Kiryanov, a former Russian general who has been sanctioned by multiple Western countries for his alleged involvement in destabilizing Ukraine, has been reinstated into the rule-making structure of motorsport’s governing body. This development highlights the complex geopolitical landscape within international sports.
Sanctions and Reinstatement
Kiryanov is currently on the sanctions list of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and other nations due to his involvement with the Russian government’s actions in Ukraine. The HM Treasury documents state that these sanctions target individuals involved in destabilizing Ukraine or undermining its sovereignty.
Despite his controversial background, Kiryanov was invited back into the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) for a meeting of the world motorsport council on June 11, 2023. This reinstatement comes after he stepped down voluntarily from his position when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
Background and Reactions
Kiryanov’s involvement with the FIA is through his role as head of the Russian Automobile Federation. Following the start of the war, the FIA world council aligned with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on introducing a series of rules regarding the participation of Russian nationals in sport. These included a requirement for Russian and Belarusian officials to step aside temporarily from their roles.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and David Richards, chairman of MotorsportUK, insisted at the time that Kiryanov stand down from his position on the world council, which he did so voluntarily. However, the FIA’s stance has since changed as it approved by e-vote the reinstatement of Russian officials “in the interests of fairness.”
Implications and Future Outlook
The decision to reinstate Kiryanov into the FIA world council highlights a broader debate within international sports about maintaining neutrality while dealing with geopolitical conflicts. While the FIA claims its position is in line with other international sports bodies, it faces criticism from those who argue that such moves could undermine the credibility of the organization.
Despite his reinstatement, Kiryanov will not be eligible for re-election to a leadership position within the next presidential term starting after the FIA elections in December 2023. The FIA has emphasized its commitment to upholding motor sport’s neutrality and promoting inclusivity among underrepresented groups.
The case of Victor Kiryanov serves as a reminder that international sports are not immune to geopolitical tensions, and their governance structures must navigate complex political landscapes while striving for fairness and integrity in the face of global challenges.
