‘Mosley turns down the FIA’s compromise deal’

Max Mosley has reportedly refused a compromise deal that would see him handed a vote of confidence by the FIA in exchange for him stepping down as president.

Mosley faces the FIA General Assembly next week where a vote of confidence will be taken as to whether he can remain as head of motorsport's governing body. Mosley's position is in question following the News of the World story exposing the lurid details about the 68-year-old's private life.

However, some members of the world's motorsport federations would rather have Mosley step down as they fear the vote could have a negative impact no matter how it plays out.

"The World Council has unanimously agreed that we should avoid (a) vote of confidence at the Extraordinary General Assembly on 3 June, because if President Mosley would get no-confidence, it would mean disaster to him, and on the contrary, if President Mosley would get confidence, it would mean disaster to the FIA," Japanese Automobile Federation chief Setsuo Tanaka said in a letter seen by Autosport.

A compromise were therefore put before Mosley whereby he would receive a vote of confidence in next Tuesday's meeting in exchange for his promise to step down as president. Mosley, however, refused the deal.