Paris – The Fédération Française du Sport Automobile (FFSA), France’s governing body for motorsports, is facing scrutiny from the government after the Sports Minister, Marina Ferrari, referred the organization to the public prosecutor on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The move comes amid a power struggle that culminated in the removal of FFSA President Pierre Gosselin during an extraordinary general assembly.
Minister Ferrari’s decision, based on Article 40 of the French Code of Criminal Procedure, centers on concerns regarding “internal practices” within the FFSA, specifically the allocation of subsidies, according to reports from L’Équipe and Le Parisien. The referral signals a significant escalation in a dispute that has rocked French motorsports.
French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari announced the investigation on March 24, 2026.
The upheaval began with the ousting of Gosselin, who was elected to lead the FFSA in mid-2024. Just weeks before his removal, Gosselin publicly voiced concerns about a “system of opaque and illegal governance” within the federation, alleging that it threatened both the organization’s ministerial accreditation and its integrity. He directly implicated his predecessors, Jacques Régis and Nicolas Deschaux, and filed complaints accordingly, as reported by L’Équipe.
However, Gosselin himself became the target of a collective complaint filed by members of the general assembly, who accused him of “abuse of confidence, misappropriation of funds, and malicious denunciation.” This counter-accusation suggests a deeply fractured leadership and a complex web of allegations. The assembly voted to revoke Gosselin’s position with a reported 70% of the vote.
Following the vote, Jean-Luc Roger, president of the Ligue du sport automobile Centre-Val de Loire, was appointed as interim administrator. The FFSA has scheduled an elective general assembly for April 22, 2026, to determine a permanent replacement for Gosselin. This timeline suggests a desire to quickly stabilize the organization and address the mounting concerns.
The government’s intervention underscores the importance placed on transparency and accountability in organizations receiving public funding. As Minister Ferrari stated, the use of public funds demands “absolute transparency, rigor, and exemplary conduct.” This case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with managing public resources, particularly within sporting federations.
The situation at the FFSA has broader implications for French motorsports. The federation oversees a wide range of disciplines, from Formula racing and rallying to karting and amateur events. Any disruption to its operations could impact the participation and development of athletes and the overall health of the sport in France. The ongoing investigation will likely scrutinize not only the financial practices of the FFSA but as well its governance structures and internal controls.
The timing of these events is particularly sensitive, as the FFSA prepares for a crucial period of competition and development. The outcome of the investigation and the subsequent leadership changes will undoubtedly shape the future of motorsports in France. The next scheduled action is the elective general assembly on April 22nd, where members will attempt to chart a fresh course for the organization.
Archysport will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as they become available.
