The FIA has published the list of eligible candidates for president, with the Emirati appearing as the sole contender, indirectly confirming his reappointment.

Ben Sulayem has cleverly exploited a loophole in the election rules that effectively prevented Tim Mayer—who had already withdrawn voluntarily—and Laura Villars from presenting themselves as serious contenders.

To run for FIA president, each candidate must submit a slate of seven vice presidents, representing specific geographical regions: two from Europe, and one each from Asia-Pacific, the Middle East/North Africa, North America, South America, and Africa. Any missing nomination renders the candidacy invalid.

In the South American slot, only Fabiana Ecclestone—Bernie Ecclestone’s wife and currently serving as vice president under Ben Sulayem—is eligible, effectively preventing any other contenders from entering the race under the current rules.

The FIA election is scheduled for 12 December, during the Annual General Assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, just one day before the traditional Prize Giving ceremony, where the Formula 1 World Championship trophy and awards for other major FIA categories are officially presented.

The Swiss racing driver was one of three candidates to announce her challenge to incumbent FIA President Ben Sulayem in September.

However, like Mayer, she was blocked by a regulatory loophole that effectively eliminated any real threat to the presidency. As a consequence, she decided to take legal action to prevent the elections from proceeding until the issue is clarified.

An emergency court hearing was already held on 10 November at the Judicial Court of Paris, with a ruling now scheduled for 3 December—ten days before the elections.

What would happen if Villars were to win the case? Here’s a closer look at the situation.