Clubs warn that split with FIA remains a strong possibility

17/07/2008

Despite the vote of confidence from the member clubs, and in spite of the fact that he looks like winning his case against the News of the World, a number of FIA member clubs remain deeply unhappy that Max Mosley has not yet stepped down, and warn that a split is still very much a possibility.

American Automobile Association (AAA) President Robert Darbelnet has warned that although their has been silence since the member vote last month, for many clubs the issue has not gone away, and that the unease with Mosley remaining as President threatens to tear the FIA apart.

Talking to the Associated Press (AP), Darbelnet has confirmed that six of the world's biggest car clubs are still in talks as to the setting up of an alternate governing body.

"From those discussions, we could come up with an alternate form or structure, which is what it would take," he said. "We need to define the best type of structure. I don't see people getting off the boat and on another one without some kind of assurances."

While Kage Schildt, president of Sweden's national automobile body, M, added: "Of course this debate is not good for the FIA. But it's up to him, it's up to him all the time."