The FIA has reacted to MEP's claim that the sale of F1 to Liberty Media represented a conflict of interest.

Earlier this week, British politician Anneliese Dodds, who represents South East England in the European Parliament, received the backing of fellow MEPS in her call for an "immediate investigation" into F1.

While much of her unease with the sport relates to its governance and in particular how the prize money is allocated, she also voiced concern over the sale of the sport to Liberty Media, claiming that the FIA's $79.5m profit from authorising the sale represented a conflict of interest.

In reaction to Ms Dodds claim, the FIA has today issued a statement denying that it acted improperly.

"Following the unanimous approval by the World Motor Sport Council of the change of control of Delta Topco Limited (the holding company of the Commercial Rights Holder of the FIA Formula One World Championship) from CVC Capital Partners in favour of Liberty Media Corporation on 18 January 2017, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has been made aware of certain declarations and comments, clearly inaccurately informed or made maliciously, relating to this process," read the statement.

"In light of this, the FIA wishes to make clear the following once again:

"Firstly, the prize money allocated in the Formula One World Championship is done so in accordance with the bilateral agreements that exist between each team and the Commercial Rights Holder (CRH). The FIA has no knowledge of these agreements.

"Secondly, there is no conflict of interest on the part of the FIA with regard to its approval of the change of control of the CRH which has been approved by the World Motor Sport Council taking into consideration exclusively the terms of the existing agreements between the CRH and the FIA and the best interests of the Championship.

"As per the Agreements made in 2001 for 100 Years, the FIA could only have withheld its consent in the event that the change of control would materially alter the ability of the CRH to fulfil its obligations; it is obvious that the taking of control of the Formula One Group by Liberty does not create such a risk, and nobody has ever suggested a different view in this respect.

"The FIA would naturally be happy to demonstrate the absence of any conflict of interest to any competent authority that may so request.

"Once again, the FIA looks forward to its collaboration with both Liberty and the Formula One Group to create a constructive relationship that will ensure the continued success and the development of the FIA Formula One World Championship in the long term."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by petes, 18/02/2017 20:38

"@ Silver Fox.....Completely concur with your close. The bits in between are a bother.

As to 1.....What else could they have done? Not a thing, without really exposing themselves to real scrutiny. The 'fit and proper' bit is a nebulous joke, as if applied to FIA themselves, would be a miserable failure.

As to 2.....Placing great faith in Father Christmas, Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny there.....No knowledge? Yeah. Right.....
"

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2. Posted by Rock Doc, 17/02/2017 16:44

"How does this answer the problem that the FIA made a substantial profit? From what I read that is where the conflict arises, not that Liberty were not a competent organisation. "

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3. Posted by Silver Fox, 16/02/2017 19:48

"At last: some common sense on this subject (from, of all organisations, the FIA).

So:

1) No conflict of interest re: the FIA approving the sale of F1 rights to Liberty as they clearly passed the FIA's only possible (contractual) grounds for objection (a 'fit and proper' organisation test)

2) No impact on the F1 sale re: prize distribution as the FIA has no involvement in / knowledge of the contracts between the Rights Holder (previously CVC, now Liberty) and the individual teams which detail the financial payments to each team (the Concord agreement).

Can this now be put to bed please...."

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FIA responds to 'conflict of interest' claim

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