American Automobile Association president Robert Darbelnet has threatened his country's withdrawal from motorsport's governing body, the
FIA, after its member associations gave
Max Mosley its support following recent sex scandal allegations.
Revealing the outcome of a secret ballot at the headquarters of the Automobile Club de France, Darbelnet told journalists that he was disappointed enough with the vote of confidence in Mosley's ability to continue in office that he would consider withdrawing his country's membership of the international governing body.
"We should not rush to judgement on this," he insisted, "but one of the potential ramifications is the division, or a split away, from the organisation that might in fact provide an opportunity for like-minded clubs to find a representative body in a different form.
"This is very unfortunate. We have to consider very seriously whether we want to remain as part of an organisation that condones this kind of behaviour.
"We don't think his (Mosley's) behaviour is appropriate for an organisation that represents hundreds of millions of motorists.
"I can't think of an organisation that would have arrived at this result. From what I understand, he is very pleased with the outcome - and appropriately."
"We don't need the
FIA," the
Daily Telegraph quotes Darbelnet as having added. "The only reason to be in it is to be with clubs that are like-minded. There is a willingness to look at other structures that would serve that purpose."
The German equivalent, the ADAC, shared Darbelnet's view that, by giving Mosley the chance to see out his term of office, confidence in the
FIA would not be the same.
"We view with regret and incredulity the
FIA general assembly's decision in Paris, confirming
Max Mosley in office as
FIA president," a spokesman said once the hearing had broken up, "This is a reason for Europe's largest automobile club to let its functions and co-operation in
FIA working groups rest at world level.
"ADAC will stay with its decision as long as
Max Mosley holds the top
FIA office of president."
