Internet Desk: Liqour baron Vijay Mallya has quit as Indian motorsport body’s top representative in the world body FIA after intervention from the sports ministry.
Mallya, who is facing extradition to India over unpaid debts for the defunct Kingfisher Airlines, resigned ahead of the last meeting of FIA’s World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) in June, following the ministry’s directive to Federation of Motor Sports Club of India (FMSCI).
Former FMSCI president Vicky Chandhok, who was a deputy to Mallya at the FIA has also been removed from the FIA.
Earlier this year, Mallya was also removed as FMSCI honorary chairman as a result of his mounting troubles.
The liquor baron was seen at India’s matches during the recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy matches in England. It evoked a wide range of criticism in the media back here in India. During one of the matches at Oval, Mallya was targeted by fans as he was seen entering the Oval. The fans were seen shouting “Chor-Chor” at Mallya.
The removal of Mallya and Chandhok from FIA comes as a huge blow for the motorsport industry in India.
Meanwhile, FMSCI will have to wait till December to nominate a new representative to the FIA as a national body cannot nominate anyone in between the stipulated tenure.