FIA completes ‘deal of the century’ for World and European Rally Cham…

Doha, Qatar: The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has today announced a landmark long-term commercial rights agreement for the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and FIA European Rally Championship (ERC). It follows the acquisition of WRC Promoter GmbH by Cosmobilis and Park Square Capital.

The biggest deal in the history of these championships, this agreement marks a new chapter for the WRC and ERC. Supporting the FIA’s vision under President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, it will bring significant new investment into the sport, helping to strengthen and grow its world-class motor sport portfolio for years to come. saltysenoritaaz.com

This deal has been designed for the rallying community and developed to deliver real benefits for fans, competitors, event organisers and the FIA’s Member Clubs. Through this agreement, rallying will become more accessible, more competitive, and more commercially successful. As the sport grows, the FIA will continue to focus on the strong governance and regulations that provide the foundations for rallying’s long-term success.

Alongside the FIA, the new promoter team of French automotive technology and services platform Cosmobilis and private credit investor Park Square Capital share a commitment to growing the sport’s global audience and deepening fan engagement. The FIA will also benefit from significantly increased visibility of its brand across events and broadcasts around the world.

This is a pivotal moment for the WRC, which is preparing for a major regulatory overhaul. Next-generation technical regulations, due to take effect in 2027, have been designed to make the sport safer, more competitive and affordable at the highest level, while the establishment of a new FIA Growth Fund will support projects that drive the success and development of rallying worldwide.

Cosmobilis and Park Square Capital have outlined ambitious plans to take the WRC and ERC to the next level, putting fans at the heart of the sport and making rallying more exciting, accessible, and engaging.

To deliver this vision, the new promoter has built a team of experts, led by newly-appointed CEO Éric Boullier, a highly experienced motor sport executive with a track record at the highest levels of international motor sport.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said: “This is truly the deal of the century for rallying, and I am proud to announce this transformative step forward, and never before seen levels of investment.

“Not only will it deliver real benefits to fans, competitors and our member clubs worldwide, but this investment signifies confidence in the future of our sport as its global popularity continues to grow.

“The future of our championships is at the heart of every decision we make, and we have ensured that we not only secure the right partner for today, but one who shares our long-term vision. My thanks to FIA Deputy President for Sport, Malcolm Wilson and his dedicated team for delivering this, and I am looking forward to working closely with our new promoter.

“Rallying is a huge part of my personal story, it has shaped who I am and how I work, and I am deeply committed to its future. This is an important moment for our sport and as we enter a new era I am proud that we have a new partner in place to help us drive forward the bright future of these championships.”

FIA Deputy President for Sport, Malcolm Wilson said: “I have spent my entire professional life in the FIA World Rally Championship, so I know exactly what this sport means to its competitors, its organisers, and above all its fans. In over 40 years in the sport, I have never seen investment on this scale into rallying – this deal really is that significant and I’m full of optimism for what it means for the fans, competitors and organisers."

Doha: The General Assembly of the Arab Union for Camel Racing has re-elected Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Kuwari as president of the Union and chairman of the Board of Directors by acclamation.

This came during the Assembly's virtual meeting, which was convened with the participation of representatives of 13 full-member national entities out of 16.

The Assembly approved amendments to the Union's bylaws, including restructuring its governance structure and responsibilities, adopting the title "Board of Directors" instead of previous organizational designations, strengthening the autonomy of member federations, and limiting the scope of the Union's regulations to championships and events organized or sanctioned by the Union.

The Assembly further approved amendments regulating the Union's relations with external entities, adopting CAS arbitration for disputes within its jurisdiction, and advancing emerging sports disciplines related to camel racing.

In addition, the Assembly announced that all candidates were unanimously elected, as each position had only one nominee. Union President Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Kuwari appointed Dr Hazem Almqareh as secretary-general and executive director, and Hadef Mohammed Hamad Al Marri as treasurer.

The Assembly unanimously approved Syria's membership in the Union, while deciding to hold its next General Assembly meeting in Qatar on the sidelines of the HH the Amir Camel Race in late April or early May 2027.

President of the Arab Union for Camel Races (Al Mahari) Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Kuwari expressed his pride in the confidence placed in him by the Assembly after being unanimously retained as president of the Union.

He pointed out that this re-election serves as a catalyst for advancing the Union's work, elevating its efficiency, expanding Arab participation, supporting tournaments and activities that bring together members, and unlocking greater opportunities for young people and those interested in camel sports. (QNA)

اعتبر مدير التسويق السابق في اللجنة الأولمبية الدولية أن قيادة رئيس الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم (فيفا) جاني إنفانتينو أصبحت «عبئا ساما»، مضيفا في حديث مع وكالة فرانس برس أن فترة حكم السويسري-الإيطالي التي امتدت 10 أعوام على رأس الهيئة الكروية العليا «انتهت».
واضطر إنفانتينو في الساعات الماضية إلى التراجع عن مشروع إدخال مستثمرين من القطاع الخاص إلى مسابقاته وعلى رأسها كأس العالم، بعدما واجه انتقادات واسعة ومخاوف من تحويل كرة القدم إلى سلعة، في ظل شبهات تتعلق بتضارب المصالح.
وقال مايكل باين، مدير التسويق السابق في اللجنة الأولمبية الدولية، لفرانس برس «لا أعتقد أننا شهدنا يوما سقوطا سريعا بهذا الشكل لزعيم رياضي»، مضيفا «قبل أسبوع واحد، كان إنفانتينو يحلق عاليا بعد تنظيم كأس عالم ناجحة جدا، وكان يتوقع أن يترشح من دون منافس في انتخابات العام المقبل لمواصلة ولايته رئيسا لفيفا».
واستطرد «الآن، سيواجه إنفانتينو صعوبة في البقاء حتى نهاية الشهر. كيف وضع نفسه في هذه الورطة؟ إنه الغرور المفرط!».
ولا تبدو المؤشرات إيجابية بالنسبة إلى السويسري-الإيطالي البالغ 56 عاما، إذ كان كل من الاتحادين الأوروبي لكرة القدم (ويفا) وكونكاكاف الذي يضم الولايات المتحدة وكندا والمكسيك، أي الدول الثلاث المضيفة لمونديال 2026 الذي اختتم في 19 يوليو، من بين الجهات التي عبّرت عن استيائها من قيادته. وقال ويفا إنه فقد «الثقة» فيه بسبب «صفقته المشبوهة»، فيما دعا كونكاكاف إلى «مراجعة شاملة لهذه الرئاسة».