Max Mosley has suffered a further blow to his confidence, and credibility, with the news that the American Automobile Association (AAA) has advised him to step down as FIA President.

The call follows similar requests from ADAC, the German motoring federation, the Dutch federation KNAF, and Israel's Automobile and Touring Club.

A statement issued by the AAA - which with 51 million members in the United States makes it the largest motoring organisation in the world - on Saturday evening read:

"Recent events involving the leadership of the FIA have been very distressing and embarrassing.

While this matter may be viewed as private by some, the damage to the image of FIA and its constituents is clearly public. For an organisation - and its leader - to exercise the moral authority required to represent millions of motorists and sanction the activities of motorsport they must uphold the highest standards of ethical behaviour.

AAA recognizes that Mr. Mosley has dedicated many years of his life to advancing the interests of mobility and motorsport. However, after careful consideration, AAA has conveyed to Mr. Mosley that it would be in the best interest of all concerned if he were to step down."

On Thursday, it was revealed that Mosley has called an extraordinary meeting of the FIA in Paris, which is expected to take place later this month.