MEXICO CITY :Formula One's governing body has defended the quiet reinstatement to its World Motor Sport Council of a Russian member subject to international sanctions as a result of the war in Ukraine.

Victor Kiryanov stepped aside after Russia's 2022 invasion but the International Automobile Federation (FIA) confirmed on Thursday he had returned in June, in time to attend a council meeting.

The reinstatement was not publicly announced at the time and became known only recently outside of the FIA. It was reported by the BBC on Thursday.

Kiryanov, a previous head of the Russian Automobile Federation and former colonel-general of police, is on the sanctions lists of a number of countries.

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