FIA Officials Reid and Richards denied WMSC attendance

Reid, the FIA Deputy President for Sport, and UK representative Richards reportedly refused to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) required by the governing body for anyone taking part in the WMSC.

The meeting, chaired by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, introduced stricter protocols requiring attendees to sign NDAs. Both Reid and Richards declined to comply, leading to their exclusion from the session. Other officials are also believed to have resisted signing the agreements.

An FIA spokesperson commented on the matter, saying: "As is routine in all organisations, the FIA implements procedures including non-disclosure agreements to ensure confidential relationships between all parties, to safeguard personal information, and to protect our regulatory interests.

"Unauthorised disclosure of confidential information undermines our ability to fully fulfil our mission and adversely impacts our capabilities to generate revenues to support our member clubs in our shared objective of growing motorsport participation, increasing accessibility, and cultivating innovation.

"The steps we have taken to preserve confidentiality have been overwhelmingly supported by a super majority of WMSC members," the spokesperson concluded.

Ben Sulayem has faced increasing scrutiny in recent months, accusing the British media of bias against his leadership of the world governing body. He has also drawn attention for criticizing Formula 1 drivers over the use of strong language and dismissing their concerns about FIA governance, stating it is “none of their business”.

Additionally, the FIA has drafted governance revisions that could alter the accountability structure of its leadership, a move that Richards staunchly opposed.

Interestingly, Reid was part of Ben Sulayem's presidential team while Richards also supported the Emirati's 2021 campaign to become FIA president.