Mosley dismisses latest retirement calls

Beleaguered motorsport supremo Max Mosley on Thursday dismissed the latest calls for his resignation over a sex scandal and alleged Nazi role-playing, dpa reported.

Mosley said in a letter to motorsport clubs that he will seek as planned a vote of confidence in a secret ballot at a special FIA assembly on Tuesday in Paris.

"The communications I received from club presidents were overwhelmingly in favor of my remaining as president. I therefore had no choice but to submit the question to the FIA membership as a whole. I certainly could not have simply ignored the majority and resigned," Mosley said.

The letter came in response to one sent on Wednesday to him from 24 automobile clubs which said that his refusal to step down could damage the sport's governing body.

Mosley has been under pressure since he was accused in a British Sunday newspaper of taking part in a sex session with five prostitutes in London allegedly involving Nazi role-playing.

"The FIA is in a critical situation. Its image, reputation and credibility are being severely eroded," the clubs 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."

The automobile clubs included members from the United States, France, Spain, India and Australia.

Mosley has refused a compromise deal allowing him to stand down in November, proposed by a senior body of the FIA.

While admitting visiting prostitutes, he has denied the Nazi connotation and is suing the British newspaper for libel.