FIA hits back at 'malicious' conflict of interest claims

The FIA – Formula 1's governing body – has hit back at what it describes as "malicious" claims it had a conflict of interest regarding the sale of the sport to Liberty Media.

In its role of regulator, the FIA had to approve any sale of F1, and duly gave the green light for Liberty to complete its takeover. However, as the FIA also held a 1% stake in F1 and was therefore due to benefit financially from any sale, claims of a conflict of interest arose in certain reports and were pushed by UK member of European parliament Anneliese Dodds as she calls for an investigation into anti-competitive practices within the sport.

Following the approval of a report from the European parliament that backs Dodds' call, the FIA has issued a statement clarifying its position, saying accusations of a conflict of interest come from observers who are "clearly inaccurately informed or made maliciously". The FIA also points out it has nothing to do with the unequal distribution of prize money to teams.

The full statement reads as follows:

"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 favor 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.

"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."