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FIA backs rally championship

LONDON, England - Rallying's governing body has committed to the long-term future of the championship since the promoter's parent company went into administration.

The championship is promoted by North One Sport, not in administration itself but was acquired by Convers Sports Initiatives in 2011.

CSI is owned by Russian businessman Vladimir Antonov, who has been arrested with Lithuanian business partner Raimondas Baranauskas on suspicion of fraud and large-scale embezzlement.

REGISTRATION DATE PUSHED BACK


Antonov was the majority stakeholder in collapsed Lithuanian bank Snoras, a former sponsor of the Renault Formula 1 team, and as owner of second division English soccer club Portsmouth.

The FIA said in a meeting in New Delhi: "The FIA is committed to ensuring the long-term commercial future of the championship and will make every endeavour to provide for its future stability.

"The FIA is working on an immediate plan to ensure the fundamental sporting and safety elements will be in place for the start of the 2012 season. As a consequence, it was also agreed that the registration date for the 2012 World Rally championship for Manufacturers be put back to 19 December."
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