The change was approved by member clubs at the FIA’s extraordinary general assembly in Macau, removing the previous cap of three four-year terms for the presidency and other senior roles.
Ben Sulayem was first elected at the end of 2021 and won a second term last December after running unopposed.
Under the previous statutes, he would have been limited to a maximum of 12 years in office.
That restriction has now been removed, meaning Ben Sulayem can continue to seek re-election unless he is defeated or chooses not to stand.
“The FIA Statutes have been updated to establish a consistent approach to term limits across all FIA bodies, in line with the World Councils and the Senate,” an FIA spokesperson said.
“The proposed amendments were approved by a supermajority at the Extraordinary General Assemblies.
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“FIA bodies retain full authority to democratically elect officeholders they deem appropriate.”
BBC Sport reported the vote passed with 90.71 per cent support, though the FIA has not publicly confirmed the figure.
The previous term limit was introduced by former FIA president Jean Todt, who served three terms from 2009 to 2021 before Ben Sulayem took over.
Ben Sulayem said the changes reflected the FIA’s continued progress.
“The decisions approved by our members here today reflect the continued progress we are making together as a Federation,” said Ben Sulayem.
“Through stronger governance, financial discipline and a clear long-term vision, we are building an FIA that is better equipped to support our members, strengthen our championships, and deliver for motorsport and mobility worldwide.”
The move comes after a controversial FIA election last year, when Ben Sulayem returned after would-be challengers failed to meet the nomination requirements.
Candidates were required to submit a list of vice-presidential nominees from each of the FIA’s six global regions, drawn from eligible World Motor Sport Council members.
That created a barrier for rivals after the only South American representative, Fabiana Ecclestone, had already backed Ben Sulayem.
American motorsport executive Tim Mayer, who was among those unable to stand, criticised the process at the time.
“The rules of this election mean that there will be no election,” Mayer said in October, adding: “When elections are decided before ballots are cast, that’s not democracy. That’s theatre.”
Further changes to the FIA’s election rules have also been approved, including a requirement for presidential candidates to demonstrate sufficient experience within an FIA member organisation or FIA body.
The FIA’s statutes still state a presidential candidate must be under 70 on the day of an election or re-election, though reports have suggested Ben Sulayem could seek to remove that limit as well.


























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