Controversial Reinstatement: Russian Sanctioned Official Returns to FIA Council

The FIA has quietly reinstated Victor Kiryanov, subject to international sanctions due to the Ukraine conflict, to its World Motor Sport Council. Kiryanov, a previous Russian Automobile Federation head, was frozen in assets by Britain. His return was unannounced but aligns with other sports bodies' policies.

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has faced scrutiny for reinstating Victor Kiryanov, a sanctioned Russian official, to its World Motor Sport Council. Kiryanov, affected by international sanctions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, resumed his role in June without public disclosure.

The BBC recently uncovered his return, highlighting Kiryanov's presence despite being on several countries' sanctions lists, including Britain's, which prohibits his travel and freezes his assets. A former police colonel-general, Kiryanov was involved with Rostec, a firm pivotal to Russia's defense sector.

The FIA defends its decision, citing a commitment to neutrality and consistency with global sports bodies' policies. Current president Ben Sulayem is expected to continue in office unopposed, despite controversies surrounding him since his 2021 election.