Mosley Faces New Call for Resignation

Max Mosley yesterday faced a call from a group of the world's leading automobile clubs that he stand down as president of motor sport's governing body, the FIA.

Next Tuesday in Paris Mosley will face a vote of confidence after tabloid revelations two months ago accused him of being involved in sado-masochistic orgies with a group of prostitutes in a Chelsea flat. Mosley has said his private life is his own business and in no way affects his ability to lead the FIA. He has two legal actions in progress against the News of the World, one in the English and one in the French courts, for invasion of privacy.

A letter sent to Mosley by 24 automobile clubs from 22 countries yesterday said: "We strongly believe that the only respectable way forward for the FIA, and for yourself, is to have an orderly transition, with an immediate agreement and your commitment to step down.

"We deeply [regret] your refusal to accept the proposal by the members of the World Council for Automobile Mobility and Tourism to reach an agreement for you to step down from the general assembly in ... November. Instead, your intention to remain until the end of your term in 2009 in spite of the severe damage being inflicted to the FIA could imply putting personal considerations before interests of the FIA and its member clubs."

Mosley said: "Club presidents have indicated that they are overwhelmingly in favour of my remaining president."