By Tom Degun at the Lenexpo Exhibition Complex in St Petersburg

Formula OneMay 31 - The International Automobile Federation (FIA) and the International Cheer Union (ICU) have become the two newest members of SportAccord after both were elected at the organisation's General Assembly here.


The French-based FIA was formed in 1904 to represent the interests of motoring organisations and motor car users but it is perhaps now best-known as the governing body for many auto racing events.

Meanwhile the Memphis-based ICU was founded in 2004 and is the international governing body for world cheerleading.

The move means that the FIA and the ICU become the 92nd and 93rd members of SportAccord respectively.

"Thanks you very much for your confidence," said FIA President Jean Todt.

"We are delighted to become members of SportAccord and promise to work with you all moving so we can all provide benefits for each other."

ICU President Jeff Webb was equally pleased.

"This is a real hour for us to become part of SportAccord," he said.

"We are very humbled and looking forward to working with all our new partners."

SportAccord itself is the umbrella organisation for both Olympic and non-Olympic international sports federations as well as organisers of international sporting events.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]